[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by TVTVTV

I had the same problem. Bugs in several name brand flour purchased from various grocers. Never had that problem up north. Really stupid that manufacturers don't seal most sugars, flour, and pastas in some type of plastic seal. I don't understand why not. I've tossed a lot of flour here. I buy it in the paper sack, wrap it in plastic, and store it in a sealed container, and tiny flour bugs are frequently in the unopened bag. I found one good reason to appreciate old age eyesight. Have 2 bags of unopened flour on hand in case you open one and spy those tiny flour weevils.

We were never able to determine how they got in but maybe that's it. We haven't seen any since we started putting things in plastic containers but maybe getting rid of the bag of flour that carried them into the house was half the battle.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I paid Massey for pest treatment for several years and never saw a bug in the house. But, I cancelled the service about 4 years ago, and I still have not seen a bug.

Thank you a million for your comment! I constantly comment to those with a contract with a pest company. When someone new moves into The Villages or most areas in Florida, neighbors and pest companies put the fear of God in you, telling you that you will be bug-infested if you don't spray. Baloney! Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes -- you might see a bug here or there. If you have a problem (many bugs), treat the issue yourself until it is gone or with a company without a contract.

PLEASE people . . . you are poisoning our environment and these chemicals do not dissipate. They remain in the earth FOREVER. Please cancel your contract with your pest control company.

[DonnaNi4os]

I store everything in sealed containers or zip lock bags.

[thelegges]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

Thank you a million for your comment! I constantly comment to those with a contract with a pest company. When someone new moves into The Villages or most areas in Florida, neighbors and pest companies put the fear of God in you, telling you that you will be bug-infested if you don't spray. Baloney! Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes -- you might see a bug here or there. If you have a problem (many bugs), treat the issue yourself until it is gone or with a company without a contract.

PLEASE people . . . you are poisoning our environment and these chemicals do not dissipate. They remain in the earth FOREVER. Please cancel your contract with your pest control company.

We looked at a home that owners still living in the home, didn’t believe in pest companies. The house looked spotless, and well cared for.

Within 5 minutes just opening drawers we found lots of black pepper (cockroach feces) in all the drawers, cabinets, and even in the closet.
The MLS rep said the cockroaches were in the clothes, scatter when he turned on the closet light. I don’t mind sharing space but not infested with roaches. So sorry my wellbeing tops non use of pesticides.

We do however use Sunday natural lawn care which consists of molasses iron and seaweed

[Full-timer]

Originally Posted by WiscoDogsDad

Hello!

I'm moving in next week and my thoughts have turned to the storing of pantry items.

Up north, I thought nothing of storing my flour in the original bag, in the pantry....pasta, cornmeal, dried dog food....same.

I'm led to believe that I must re-think my strategy, here.

I am lucky to have purchased a place that has a large upright freezer in the garage.

Would it be wise to store flour, etc, there?

Or is it sufficient to find and use good quality airtight containers, and leave that sort of thing in the pantry?

Any thoughts on this....or any other kitchen-related Florida issues that might blindside a new arrival....will be deeply appreciated.

Thanks, in advance

If you have your air on, (not at 80) and the containers are sealed/closed there is no issue. The biggest issue we found different here from "up north" is sugar ants, and ROACHES. The weather here allows all sorts of critters to thrive all year long. Roaches are looking for water and cellulose products (Paper and cardboard), and ants ability to smell is incredible. So, keep your place crumb free and store very little in cardboard. We store our flour and sugar in large glass sealable jars but we do leave "extra" or spare in the bag it was purchased in. Spray your foundation and close to it regularly or use all natural products to keep them at bay or kill them. Food grade diatomaceous earth is a good safe product to "dust" under everything and leave it there. If you have bugs, find where they are getting in from and seal that area. Sink water line holes in walls, dish washer waterline holes, gaps under your vanity not covered (kick plate), and anything else. No access, no bugs other than opening or under doors.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by thelegges

We looked at a home that owners still living in the home, didn’t believe in pest companies. The house looked spotless, and well cared for.

Within 5 minutes just opening drawers we found lots of black pepper (cockroach feces) in all the drawers, cabinets, and even in the closet.
The MLS rep said the cockroaches were in the clothes, scatter when he turned on the closet light. I don’t mind sharing space but not infested with roaches. So sorry my wellbeing tops non use of pesticides.

We do however use Sunday natural lawn care which consists of molasses iron and seaweed

Generally speaking, you don't find "lots of" cockroaches in drawers. It very well could have been pepper or other seasoning. You usually find them where there are boxes (they like glue), and in base cabinets (like under the sink), and always, in the garage. I have been in real estate since 1984, in and out of 100s of houses, and have never found roaches in a closet in clothing!

There are many natural, non-insecticide pest control methods you can use that do not harm the environment, such as peppermint spray, cinnamon, paprika, diatomaceous earth, basil, bay leaves, rosemary, and more. Do some homework, and you will be amazed at what you can use and how to use these things.

At a personal level, we have no pest control and seldom see a cockroach in the house, and once and a while, in the garage. Occasionally, seeing a bug in your house does not warrant a pest control contract. A bug here or there will not hurt your well-being!

[jbartle1]

Originally Posted by NotGolfer

We have a small upright freezer in our garage for meat, breads etc. We also have a small pantry cupboard inside our house. Early on we found bugs in the pantry (probably came with the dry-goods stored in it). NOW, everything like flour etc. goes in storage containers and we've had NO issues since then. The containers are those with covers....similar to Tupperware. You can find them at Walmart, TJMaxx (back where they have all the kitchen items....and similar stores. We moved here from Wisconsin too.

Or use slider bags

[mtdjed]

Originally Posted by Aces4

OP, you are not overthinking anything. Put everything to which bugs will be attracted in sealed containers. The roaches will constantly be looking for entrance to your home along with every thing else. There is a reason you will be constantly paying for pest control and terminate eradication. Florida is very buggy.

Never use pest control except for termites. For regular pests, I use Suspend SC which can be used around pets and foodstuffs. Safe when it drys. For the ghost ants I use Terro and they are gone within an hour.

Obvious good containers should be used.

I use Termite experts only because of all the HYPE. Have lived in The Villages about 20 years, have never seen any sign of Termites or for that matter have not heard of anyone in The Villages having termites.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Assuming you have air conditioning, I don't see any difference between food storage in Florida and other locations.

Also, an exterminator is a must in Florida.