If you have ever opened a kitchen cabinet only to have a swarm of pantry moths fly out, you are well aware of what a problem this can be. These small insects can quickly destroy entire stocks of dry food. Just a few pantry moths unknowingly brought in a packet of flour or grains can spread everywhere in just a few days. Pantry moths are not only an aesthetic issue but also a real threat, as these small pests can carry pathogens, including streptococci that cause a range of diseases. Learn our methods to make moth larvae no longer a bother.
What will you learn from this article?
- What food products can contain moths.
- How to effectively remove them.
- The differences between pantry moths and clothing moths.
Pantry moths – where do they come from?
We usually bring pantry moths into our homes ourselves. Eggs of pantry moths or even larvae can be found in bulk products we purchase both in stores and at marketplaces. These include:
- flour,
- pasta,
- dried fruits and nuts,
- grains,
- rice,
- dried fruits,
- dried mushrooms.
Unfortunately, we usually notice kitchen moths only when adult individuals start flying out of the cabinet.
Unfortunately, even if you carefully store your food, pantry moths might still get into your small kitchen in an apartment or any other, by flying in through a window or ventilation grilles. If they manage to get into your pantry, there's a good chance this will lead to a moth infestation. Luckily, there are several home methods to prevent moths from appearing in your kitchen, and effective ways to eliminate them.
Where to start the fight against pantry moths?
What do pantry moths look like? In their initial stage, pantry moths are only a few millimetres in size, making them hard to spot, as the most common types of moths are white. Even if they have brown heads, in most cases, they aren't easy to see. Therefore, we often notice flying insects or pantry moth larvae. In such a case, you should remove all contents from the cabinets and thoroughly inspect the packaging. If the foil is intact or the products are in hermetically sealed containers, there probably aren't any fertilized moth eggs in them, and you can safely use them.
However, dealing with paper packages and open bags of foods means you'll need to throw away a significant amount of food. You can try rinsing bulk foods to get rid of pantry moths, but this method is not 100% effective and can't be used with all dry foods. The only way to get rid of pantry moth larvae is to dispose of the entire contents of the package.
What are home remedies for pantry moths?
If you want to get rid of pests such as adult pantry moths (or in an earlier development stage), we have many methods, including various traps. However, the first step is to thoroughly clean the cabinets where pantry moths have hatched.
- The first step is a thorough washing of the cabinets, ideally with hot vinegar, paying special attention to the corners where moth larvae nests might be found.
- Then it's a good idea to leave the cupboards empty for a few days, and place bay leaves and essential oils inside. Lavender oil works well, as pantry moths also dislike the aroma of vanilla, which can be used to coat the shelves.
- Once the food products are back in the cabinet, you can leave a bay leaf, which is human-friendly and deters moths.
- Later, remember to securely close all containers and regularly inspect the pantry, as pantry moths can be unintentionally brought into the home at any time.
Pantry moth larvae vs. clothing moth larvae – differences
If you see a flying insect in your home resembling a gray-brown moth, it could be either a pantry moth or a clothing moth. They are equally difficult to track down but don't affect the food in your kitchen. Clothing moth larvae choose textiles instead of food products, especially natural wool. Their destructive nature means your favourite scarf or sweater may start to resemble a sieve.
Theoretically, pantry and clothing moth larvae are two different categories, yet they're the same pests and respond to similar methods. Clothing and pantry moths can come in various colours; the browner ones can be found in the kitchen, while the lighter and yellowish ones are in the wardrobe. If you're plagued by clothing moths, you don't have to discard infested items, just clean them thoroughly, using available chemical agents. Remember, neither pantry moths will eat clothes, nor clothing moths will damage your kitchen.
Summary
If you're wondering how to remove moths from your kitchen, start with a thorough review of all food products. Pantry moths often lay eggs in dry products like flour, grains, or rice. To effectively rid yourself of pantry moths, discard all infested products and wash the cabinets thoroughly with hot water and vinegar. It's also worth checking if pantry moths are attracted to sugar – they are indeed, as sugar is one of their favourite treats, so be particularly cautious about its storage. To avoid reinfestation, keep food in airtight containers and regularly inspect your supplies.
Moths in the kitchen can occur even in the most well-kept homes. Where do moths come from? Most often, we bring them home with our groceries, especially dry goods. The grain moth is one of the most common types of pantry moths, which can reproduce rapidly. To find a moth nest, thoroughly inspect kitchen cupboards, especially nooks where larvae might be hiding. If you're wondering how to exterminate moths, consider natural methods, such as essential oils (e.g., lavender) or bay leaves, which repel these pests. Remember that regular cleaning and monitoring of food items are key to preventing a moth infestation.