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Moths, Beetles, Weevils, and Worms
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Summary: Moths, beetles, weevils, and worms all can live in dried food products. Follow the steps on this page to avoid an infestation. |
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What to look for |
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Don't bring pests home. |
Inspect all dried food packages (cereals, beans, flour, dried fruits and spices, birdseed, and pet food) before you purchase them.
- Reject broken or unsealed containers.
- Check the packaging "sell by" date.
- Look for the presence of insects through clear plastic or wax paper packages. Telltale signs of an infested bag or box include tiny holes or webbing.
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Store foods appropriately. |
Proper food management can help prevent insect infestations.
- Store packages of dried food (including pet food) in screw-top metal, glass jars with rubber seals, or airtight containers. Do not leave them in their paper, cardboard, or plastic wrappers.
- Use cold to reduce or kill developing insects.
- Store dried foods in a refrigerator to prevent pests from developing.
- Storing dried foods in a freezer for 48 hours will kill developing pests.
- Buy only small quantities of foods so they will be consumed quickly. Long-term storage encourages problems.
- Use opened packages before opening new ones.
- Use older products first.
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Keep areas clean. |
Prevent any pests from spreading to other foods.
- Put away leftover food. Clean up crumbs and spills immediately.
- Keep sinks and counters wiped clean. Remember to clean countertop appliances like toasters and microwaves, outside, inside, and< underneath. Also clean on and behind shelves and larger appliances.
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For more information, contact:
- Emergencies
- Environment, Health & Safety:
(858) 534-3660 weekdays, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Campus Police: (858) 534-4357
- Non-emergencies (Typical response time: one working day)
- Campus and SIO facilities: Pest Management
- Healthcare facilities:
Healthcare Safety Office
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Notice: The UCSD Environment, Health & Safety Department does not provide pest control advice or help to individuals or agencies outside UCSD. Area residents should contact their local animal control agency or exterminator for assistance. |
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