Insects found in Food

Stored cereal product insects include:

• Flour beetles
• Sawtooth grain beetles
• Grain weevils
• Warehouse beetles
• Indian Meal Moths

Danger Signs

• Sighting of live insects
• Damaged product or packaging material (Holes in packaging materials, insect feeding evidence on product, webbing in product(product clumped together due to insect webbing) etc)

Potential Harm

• Potential for contamination of food products
• Regulatory concerns (Food and Drug Administration, HACCP compliance)
• Third Party Auditor requirements

Business Consequences

• Liability concerns
• Customer complaints regarding infested product
• Economic loss due to contaminated food products
• Aesthetics due to the presence of live insects

Steps To Take

• Identification of species
• Determine source of infestation:
  • Incoming product
  • Stored material
  • Equipment
  • Structure
• Explore non-chemical control methods (caulking, sanitation, etc)
• Application of approved pest management materials
• Implement a pheromone monitoring program