The Pantry Foods Most Likely to Attract Pests

These everyday staples could be what's luring pests inside.

labeled containers in pantry — Credit:
Kostikova / Getty Images

Pantry pests are more than just an inconvenience—they can quickly wreak havoc on the hygiene and enjoyment of your kitchen. “Pantry pests can set up shop in your pantry for a long time before being spotted because they may have transferred directly from the food processing plant to your home via grocery items,” explains pest control expert Anna Wallace, operations manager at Truly Nolen Pest Control.

By knowing which foods are most at risk and taking a few preventative measures, you can stop infestations before they start. Here’s what you need to know about the foods that most often attract pantry pests—and the simple steps experts recommend to keep your shelves fresh, safe, and bug-free.

Flour and Grain Products

jars of flour and sugar on wood shelf — Credit: Emma Farrer / Getty Images

Flour, rice, oats, pasta, and other grain-based staples are among the most common culprits. The fine texture and unsealed packaging make these products especially vulnerable to pests.

Baking Mixes and Processed Snacks

Pancake mix, cake flour, and cookies may not seem like natural targets, but these packaged goods offer plenty of pest appeal, notes Wallace—in particular, for those that thrive in sugary and starchy foods.

Pet Food and Bird Seed

Often overlooked, bags of kibble and pet food provide exactly what pests want: nutrient-packed food stored in bulk. (Even when kept in garages or basements, these supplies can easily become infested.)

Cured Meats

Less common but still at risk, dried and cured meats can attract certain critters and pests that feed on organic matter. "Besides the fact that they will nibble on your food from inside a package," says Wallace, "they will sometimes chew their way out and start scurrying to dishes and cookware." Yikes.

Common Pantry Pests You Might Spot

Be on the lookout for these pests in particular. These common buggers are often found frequenting pantries and kitchens.

Flour Beetles: Most often found exactly where their name suggests, Wallace says.
Indian Meal Moths: Recognizable by the silky webbing and small cocoons they leave behind.
Dermestid Beetles: This species goes for organic substances (think: cured meats and the like).
Drugstore and Cigarette Beetles: Known to infest pet food, dried goods like grains and pasta, and even stored items in attics.

How to Prevent and Control Pantry Pests

These essential steps from Wallace will help keep pantry pests at bay. (Here's to no more surprises when opening that bag of flour.)

Inspect Packaging Before Purchasing: Before you bring any dry goods home, check the packaging carefully. Tears, broken seals, or signs of powdery residue can indicate pests are already present.
Decant Foods Properly: Transfer flour, grains, and snacks into airtight glass or hard plastic containers as soon as you get home. This keeps pests from burrowing in (and helps contain them if they’re already inside). Moreover, decanting pantry items can save space and help keep things looking streamlined and polished.
Clean Shelves Regularly: Make wiping or vacuuming pantry shelves part of your weekly cleaning routine. Even small spills and crumbs can attract bugs fast.
Seal Cracks and Crevices: Use caulk to close up gaps along cupboard shelves and walls. These small entry points make it easy for pests to move from one area to another.