Find where SPP originate

Greg Pettis

A common “hide-and-seek” game in pest control is finding the source of stored product pests (SPP) and learning what the source actually is. One thing to understand is, although they may be seen in the pantry, that doesn’t mean that’s where they are originating. It may turn out to be the hope chest with stored holiday decorations in the living room next to the kitchen, and the SPP were the IMM in Christmas wreaths.

SPP accounts can be a great situation to use green products that not only kill, but clean without worrying about contaminating anything returned to the hope chest (or other harborage area). Also, you can use certain all-natural insecticides to wipe down shelves in the pantry to prevent secondary infestations.

When it comes to food safety, don’t make the situation worse with an off-label product choice. Look to products that are all-natural and hold U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exempt status thanks to their ingredients being on the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 25(b) list.