Grain Moths on Long Island

When we talk about grain moths, we’re actually referring to a variety of moths that target the dry goods in pantries across Suffolk County & Nassau County. Unlike other pests, they don’t bite, sting or spread disease – but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. Grain moths feed on stored food, everything from flour and cereal, to dried fruits and pet food. So, while they won’t hurt you, they can cause a lot of problems.

Grain Moth Habitat

Grain moths are found across the globe, and no one is entirely certain of their exact country of origin. They can fly in from the outdoors, but in many cases they infest a home when consumers buy food products already infested with their eggs. If gone unnoticed, they then hatch over the course of weeks or months, and once they do, the larvae feast on the food that surrounds them.

Grain Moth Behaviors, Threats or Dangers

When it comes to extermination, you can’t handle grain moths as you would other pests. Since they occupy your food supply, it isn’t an option to treat them with pesticides or other chemicals. All you can really do is find the source of the infestation and dispose of the contaminated food. From that point on we suggest thoroughly cleaning the inside of your pantry and storing your food in sealed and airtight containers.

If you are dealing with Grain Moths on your property, contact your local exterminators.

Grain Moth FAQs

What do grain moths look like?

What are the signs of grain moths?

The most consistent sign of a grain moth infestation is you will likely see the adults flying around your home, especially in the kitchen and pantry areas. Grain moths feed on a large variety of food including flour, cereal, pasta, nuts, spices, chocolate, dried flowers, dried fruits and vegetables, dry pet food, and bird seed. Adult females will lay eggs in a suitable food source. When the larvae hatch they will feed on, pupate in, and contaminate that food source.

Some other signs of a grain moth infestation include:

• Webbing along the corners of packages or on the product itself
• Small holes in the packaging of food and dry goods – especially in flour and cereal, which will develop an unpleasant odor.
• The presence of adult grain moths or their caterpillars in your kitchen area.
• Grain moths are more often than not introduced into your home through infested products that you purchase from stores. Adults may also get into your home while foraging for food sources through gaps and holes found in screens or around exterior windows and doors.

What damage do grain moths cause?

How do you prevent grain moths?

How do I get rid of grain moths?

You can often get rid of grain moths by throwing away the affected food and cleaning your pantry or affected areas thoroughly. If the problem persists, you may need to call professional help.

Can grain moths hurt me?

Mealworms on Long Island

Mealworms are the larvae of the darkling beetle, so they aren’t a true worm, despite the name. They represent the fourth stage in the life cycle of the beetle, between molted worms and pupae. They aren’t just pantry pests, but they’re fond of the grains of your cabinets and can quickly feed off and reproduce in your food supply. 

Mealworm Habitat

In agricultural settings, mealworms may be found invading farm and grain handling facilities. Or, if outdoors, they might choose instead to feed on leaves, dead insects and animal waste. Wherever they go, they will look for places that are dark, cool and moist. This may be under rocks or logs in animal burrows, or it could be in the darkness of your pantry.

Mealworm Behaviors, Threats or Dangers

Mealworms, like other pantry pests, are hard to detect until they’ve infested your cabinets. If you ingest the larvae or eggs left inside your food products, it can cause gastrointestinal irritation and general discomfort. So if you notice small holes and bite marks on the exterior packaging of your stored, dry goods, it’s vital you remove the contaminated foodstuffs and any other ones that may be contaminated.

If you are dealing with Mealworms on your property, contact your local exterminators.

Field Cricket in Suffolk County & Nassau County

Field Cricket is a catch-all name for several species of crickets of the genus Gryllus. The most common species found on Long Island is Gryllus pennsylvanicus. 

Field Cricket Habitat

Field Crickets are found in many types of habitats: In brushy areas, fields, lawns, gardens, and even near building foundations. They may dig shallow burrows. These species will have one generation per year and will molt 8-9 times before reaching the adult stage. Adults generally live for 8 to 10 weeks. Most female crickets deposit eggs into soil or plant stems, which can cause serious plant damage. In northern latitudes, most crickets mature and lay eggs in the fall.

Field Cricket Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Field crickets are omnivores that feed on a variety of foods including organic plant matter, dried organic materials, fruits, seeds, and both live and dead insects. Field crickets are generally considered to be nuisance pests. If they get indoors, which typically happens in the fall as they try to get indoors to overwinter, they can damage personal items like clothing and furniture by feeding on them. They’re not venomous and aren’t known to carry any diseases. If you need help with a Field Cricket problem, it’s recommended to contact your local pest control experts.

Camel Crickets in Suffolk County & Nassau County

The name camel cricket is derived from the rounded hump on the insect’s back that resembles the hump of a camel. Sometimes referred to as “cave crickets” or “land shrimp,” they are more closely related to katydids than true crickets and do not chirp. Camel crickets are widespread in the United States and often move inside dwellings during hot, dry weather and have been observed feeding on clothes and lace curtains. Due to their size and quick jumping ability, camel crickets can be quite disturbing to homeowners.

Camel Cricket Habitat

Camel crickets prefer damp, dark environments. Outside, camel crickets are found living in leaf litter, under logs or stones, in tree holes, in hollow logs, or stacks of firewood and other cool, damp areas. They may move into homes during the fall when seeking a place to overwinter. Camel crickets may commonly be found in crawl spaces or basements, occasionally in large numbers; however, they may also be found in living areas, garages, and storage rooms. Camel crickets can also be found in considerable numbers in attics above two-story homes.

Camel Cricket Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Camel crickets do not spread disease and do not bite, however, they can become a nuisance if they gain entry into a home, damaging houseplants, clothing, and fabrics. Camel crickets are nocturnal and will be observed by the homeowner in the evening when the lights are turned on in a dark room. When threatened, camel crickets leap when frightened, which can be an unnerving experience as a homeowner turns on the lights in their basement or garage.  If you suspect a camel cricket issue on your property, contact your local exterminators.