How To Control Bigs From Cat Food

As cat proprietors, we need our furry friends to enjoy delicious and nutritious food free from undesirable pests or parasites. but, it is now not uncommon for insects to discover their way into packaged cat ingredients left unattended inside the pantry or on the floor. in this wide article, we will find out in-depth strategies for retaining cat food computer virus loose through careful garage, cleaning practices, and component choice.

Identifying Common Pantry Pests/Cat Food:

Before discussing solutions, let’s first understand the pesky problems. Several species of insects are commonly encountered in food storage areas like pantries and kitchens. Some of the most prevalent include:

Weevils – These small brown beetles are attracted to grains like wheat, oats and corn. Adults lay eggs within the kernels and larvae hatch inside and feed.

Indian Meal Moths – Pale greenish caterpillars and brown moths feast on grain products, cereals and pet foods. Females can lay up to 200 eggs at a time.

Flour Beetles – Red or black, these tiny beetles inhabit dry goods and lay eggs that hatch into grubs. Infestations are almost always due to improper storage.

Spider Beetles – Dark brown, these beetles contaminate grains, nuts and dried fruit. Adults and larvae feed together on grain kernels.

Saw-toothed Grain Beetles – Slender, shiny black beetles tunnel into and feed on grain kernels like brown rice. They can spread into new areas rapidly.

Pantry Moths – Adults have powdery wings with feathered antennae. Larvae burrow into grain products to eat, causing webbing and shorty damage.

While not harmful, these bugs can damage foods and spread if left uncontrolled. Understanding common infesters helps identify when prevention steps are needed.

Inspecting Ingredients to Avert Future Pests

Let’s examine how specific ingredients can impact the likelihood of bug invasion. Cereal grains like wheat and corn are prime targets as the carbohydrates, oils and proteins within are readily consumed by the pests mentioned above. A case study demonstrated this clearly:

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University conducted a controlled experiment exposing different dry pet foods to common pantry insect pests under identical conditions. They found grain based foods consistently became infested within two weeks, while meat or fish focused formulas showed no sign of bugs after 5 weeks of monitoring.

This provides compelling evidence certain ingredients in cat food are more appealing attractants. Choosing limited ingredient or single animal protein products without grains, sugars or fillers as the main sources of calories can help deter bugs from invading in the first place.

Preventing Varmints with Vacuum Storage:

Even with carefully selected foods, pantry pests may still hitchhike into the home. This persistence emphasizes proper storage as the next line of defense. Vacuum sealing dry foods in bags creates an airtight barrier insects can’t penetrate. Here’s a step-by-step process:

1. Use tough, resealable freezer bags made for vacuum sealing like Food Saver brand bags. Ensure bag is laid flat without wrinkles.
2. Place bagged food on scale and start vacuum suction by pressing down on handle. This pulls air from bag through the machine’s air filter.
3. Air will be extracted until bag wrinkles disappear against contents as a tight vacuum forms. Seal automatically engages once complete.
4. Check for tight seal along edges by pressing bag it should feel crunchy without any air pockets. Reseal if needed.
5. Label and date bag, then store in cool, dark area away from moisture. Rotate stock so oldest used first.

Resealing bags as needed maintains the airtight protection over time. Without breathable oxygen pockets, pests simply cannot survive or grow within vacuum stored goods. This low effort method is extremely effective for bug prevention.

Airtight Containers Starve Stowaways:

For cat foods kept in canisters or tubs, oxygen removal is equally vital. Heavy duty plastic bins with polypropylene construction and airtight, gasket sealed locking lids create a vacuum tight environment without power tools.

Akro Mils and Snap ware produce thoughtfully designed options. Lids compress firm rubber gaskets onto rims with an audible click to form an impenetrable barrier. Oxygen is squeezed from air pockets as it seals. Regularly check seals are still fully engaged with no wiggle room.

Some cat owners opt to double down using dedicated canisters inside an additional sealed bucket container for further protection. As with bags, dates and labeling helps track oldest inventory. Together, vacuum solutions remove livable conditions to control pests naturally.

Targeted Cleaning Keeps Critters at Bay:

Storage methods are key defenses, yet consistent cleaning finishes the job. Vacuuming floors, furniture and shelving weekly expels hidden bugs and eggs from hiding spots before they multiply. Scrubbing bins and containers is equally important:

• Wipe down interiors and lids with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water
• Focus on corners and edges where pests tend to lurk
• Scrub with a soft bristled toothbrush if needed
• Rinse and dry thoroughly afterwards

Vinegar’s acidic composition removes lingering odors and deters recontamination. It’s a natural, non toxic alternative to harsh chemicals near food areas and pets. Regular maintenance creates an inhospitable environment for continued bug prevention.

Additional Tips for a Pest Proof Pantry:

Some supplementary strategies enhance a layered approach:

• Periodically reorganize shelves, lifting items to vacuum underneath
• Check for damage and dispose of bag/box interior if spotted
• Place diatomaceous earth along floor/wall junctions as a drying agent
• Hang insect traps or place glue boards to monitor for activity
• Rotate stock, using oldest first before best by dates pass
• Isolate new foods in the freezer for 2 weeks as a precaution
• Contact a pro if an active infestation is seen versus scattered bugs

Integrating storage solutions, cleaning routines and extra precautions establishes a continuous system to eliminate food invading insects for good. With diligence, cat owners can feel confident furry friends enjoy bug free bowls every time.

FAQs:

Q: How to keep bugs out of pet food?

A: Properly store your pet’s food

Q: Why is my cat food attracting bugs?

A: Poor Storage

Q: How to get rid of cat food bugs?

A: Keep it sealed

Q: Is it OK for my cat to eat bugs?

A: Usually, this shouldn’t pose a problem

Conclusion:

A few thoughtful habits provide essential protections against pantry pests potentially contaminating cat food. Combining strategic ingredient selection, airtight containment and regular hygiene methods creates an inhospitable living space for creepy crawlies. With persistence, any home can be kept pest-proof for worry free feeding.