It’s November! That means holiday baking season has begun, and it won’t be long before your pantry shelves start filling up; bags of flour, sugar, spices, nuts, and chocolate chips are ready for cookies, pies, and all the family favorites. But guess what? You’re not the only one excited about all those ingredients. Pantry pests love them too.

From Indian meal moths to flour beetles and weevils, these tiny insects can turn your baking supplies into their personal buffet. Once they move in, they can quickly spread through your pantry and ruin expensive ingredients.

In today’s blog, we’ll share five tips to help you keep your holiday baking bug-free this season.

a person making pumpkin pie

​1. Store Dry Ingredients in Airtight Containers (and Choose Packages Carefully)

The packaging that flour, sugar, and other dry ingredients come in isn’t designed for long-term protection, and pests can easily slip through tiny rips or loose seals. Before bringing ingredients home, take a moment to inspect the packaging at the store. Skip any bags or boxes that look dented, torn, or unsealed; those are easy entry points for pantry pests.

Once you’re home, transfer dry goods, such as flour, cornmeal, oats, nuts, and dried fruit, into airtight glass, metal, or heavy plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. This keeps pests out and helps ingredients stay fresher longer in Arizona’s dry climate.

2. Check Expiration Dates Before You Bake

Bugs love older ingredients, especially if they’ve been sitting in the back of the pantry since last year’s cookie exchange. Before you start baking, check expiration or “best by” dates on flour, spices, and mixes.

If something looks or smells off, it’s safer to toss it than to risk adding unwanted “protein” to your pumpkin bread.

3. Inspect Bulk Ingredients Before Storing

Buying in bulk is convenient and cost-effective, especially for holiday baking marathons. But sometimes pantry pests hitch a ride home from the store. Before adding new flour, grains, or nuts to your pantry, give them a quick inspection. Look for webbing, clumping, or tiny insects inside the bag.

4. Keep Your Pantry Clean and Cool

Even in winter, Phoenix and Tucson kitchens can get warm. High temperatures cause ingredients to spoil more quickly and attract pests. Keep your pantry organized and vacuum shelves occasionally to remove stray crumbs or spills.

If you store pet food or birdseed indoors, seal those bags tightly, too, as pantry pests aren’t picky.

5. Schedule a Pest Inspection

Even the tidiest kitchens can have hidden pest problems, especially if bugs have already laid eggs in food packaging. A professional pest inspection can ensure your kitchen stays pest-free throughout the holidays and into the new year.

Don’t Forget Other Kitchen Pests: Roaches and Rodents

While pantry pests like moths and flour beetles are the most obvious threats to your holiday ingredients, roaches and rodents can also sneak into your kitchen in search of a meal. They’re active year-round in our region, and they don’t just eat crumbs; they can chew through packaging, contaminate food, and spread bacteria.

Protect Your Pantry and Your Home with Northwest Exterminating

At Northwest Exterminating, we help homeowners in Phoenix, Tucson, and throughout Southern Arizona keep their kitchens free from pantry pests and other household invaders with effective home pest control services. If you’re spotting bugs in your ingredients or have noticed rodent droppings in the pantry, don’t wait; let us help you get your kitchen back in shape before your next batch of cookies.

Contact Northwest Exterminating today!