Ever wonder how pests get into your pets’ food? You might be afraid that it would harm your pet. Fret not, in this blog, we will be covering the common pests that are in your pet’s food. Additionally, providing some tips on keeping your pet food pests free!
Let’s begin with common pests that are in your pet’s food.
#1 Warehouse Beetles
Warehouse beetles can infest an extensive selection of grocery commodities and pet food. The females lay around 90 eggs in a lifetime. Adult beetles can live from one to five weeks. They tend to thrive in warm and moist environments.
What can you do about Warehouse Beetles? Warehouse beetles can cause intestinal discomfort if ingested. First, you can try to locate the source of the infestation. Try to find small openings in the pet food packages. Then, remove the infested parts.
#2 Indian Meal Moth
Indian Meal Moth, as known as, Meal Moth, Flour Moth, Weevil Moth or Grain Moth. They often feed on grain products, cereals and pet food. The Indian Meal Moth larvae feed on dry food such as pet food. They are able to chew through plastic bags and thin cardboard. They would often leave silk webbings around the infested parts which you will be able to tell.
What can you do about Indian Meal Moths? Although they do not cause any harm when ingested, it is still best to remove the infestation. First, try to locate the area where significant silk-like cocoons are at. Then, clean the area with vinegar or soap and water. Discard infested food products and containers to make sure it is 100% removed.
#3 Red Legged Ham Beetles
Red Legged Ham Beetles or Copra Beetles are the most common bugs in pet food. They are difficult to kill compared to other bugs due to their resilient nature. They are usually attracted to meat such as dried meats and stored fish.
What can you do about Red Legged Ham Beetles? The best way to deal with these is to seal and dispose of the infested products. And this is because they are persistent and difficult to kill.
#4 Sawtoothed Grain Weevil
Sawtoothed Grain Weevils are tiny. And, they can squeeze through cracks to infest dry goods. The females can lay more than 250 eggs and can live up to three years. They are often found in dried food such as cereal and dog food.
What can you do about Sawtoothed Grain Weevils? Sawtoothed Grain Weevils does not cause any significant harm to pets when ingested. But, you should remove infested products. The reason is damage caused to the products can stimulate bacteria and fungus growth.
#5 Flour Weevils
Flour Weevils feed on cereal grains, and are a common pest in many areas. They are usually attracted to grains that are going to or already gone bad. They can lay up to 500 eggs in their life span which is about a year.
What can you do about Flour Weevils? Even though Flour Weevils do not cause any harm to pets, it is best to remove the infested parts.
#6 Drugstore Beetles
Dried herbs and plant materials with dried food products attract Drugstore Beetles. These pets are so unnoticeable that they can live in your home for a long time without you knowing. The only trace that they live behind is puncturing of food product packaging.
What can you do about Drugstore Beetles? Drugstore Beetles are likely to bite through an unopened food package. Try to discard opened packages. Or if you notice infested packages, discard it.
#7 Ants
Ants are resilient pests, once they find a way in, they will keep coming. Ants are common and are often found scarfing different types of food. They are not as good at mining into packaged products like beetles. But, if there is an opened container of food or an unsealed bag, they would likely seize the opportunity.
What can you do about Ants? Ants are not harmful in small quantities. But, you should remove it to prevent potential complications that can happen. First, remove everything from the storage area. Then, use a strong vinegar (10% vinegar) and water solution to disinfect the area. This solution will not cause any harm to your pets or food products. Remember to pay attention to the cracks and edges as pests tend to hide there.
How can you prevent bugs in pet food?
Now we will be sharing some proper storage of different types of pet food.
- Dry Food
- Inspect the product for damages before you buy it at the pet shop.
- If the product is purchased online, inspect it for damages before opening it.
- Inspect the product thoroughly for signs of infestation after opening it.
Do not:
- Leave the bag open for an extended period as this will expose it to both air and moisture.
- Store your pet food in outdoor areas.
- Store dry pet food in warm areas.
- Dump the food into another container.
Try to:
- Store the food in a cool dry place such as a kitchen pantry or cabinet.
- Keep it in the original bag/box as these food packaging.
- Store the bag of food in a plastic, metal or glass container with the bag.
- Close the bag tightly and keep it sealed with a clip, try to make it as air tight as possible.
- Canned Food
- Check expiration date before purchase.
Try to:
- Store opened cans in the refrigerator, but for no more than five days.
- Freeze the food in single portions if not used within five days.
- Discard opened cans that have been left at room temperature for more than three hours.
- Raw Dog Food/Home-cooked Food
- Take note of the expiration date on the product.
- Read the feeding directions thoroughly.
- Make sure to keep dehydrated food away from moisture as it can cause mould to grow.
- Keep the food tightly sealed in its original package or transfer it to a glass container with an airtight lid.
- Always inspect the package of raw dog food before you purchase it for any signs of damage.
- Take note if the food can be refrigerated or frozen for any length of time.
- Always read the directions and pay close attention to the handling instructions.
Try to:
- Cut purchased meat into portions and immediately freeze what you won’t use within one or two days.
- Wrap ready to freeze meat well and seal it in an airtight container. Frozen products usually have a shelf of four to six months.