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Pantry moths almost always gain entry to your home through purchased dry food items that were contaminated at the food processing or packaging plant. Once in your home, they can spread if the products are stored in cardboard or thin plastic containers that allow the larvae to eat through and spread to other containers.
How do you get rid of pantry moths?
How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths STEP 1: Empty the pantry and inspect its contents. Empty out the affected area—completely. STEP 2: Dispose of non-airtight containers. STEP 3: Vacuum the area, then clean with a vinegar-and-water solution. STEP 4: Don’t re-stock the pantry right way!.
What are pantry moths attracted to?
What Attracts Pantry Moths? Most typically even though it is frightening, you’ll find them in your kitchen. They’re attracted by those items in your pantry such as – flours, Pasta, Cereals, Grains, Bread, Spices and other dried, processed snacks.
Where are pantry moths coming from?
You may find larvae and pupae tucked away in door hinges, backs of door knobs, and corners of wire baskets; underneath shelves, and around the edges of jar lids, cans, and non-food items also stored in your pantry or cupboard. The larvae can chew through paper and plastic.
Can pantry moths get into sealed packages?
Pantry moths lay their eggs on stored food and grains. Adult females can lay hundreds of eggs directly on or near potential food sources, and the damage is done by the larvae (tiny caterpillars). Larvae can chew through plastic bags and thin cardboard, so even unopened packages may become infested.
Why do pantry moths keep coming back?
While you may need to clean your pantry to get rid of them, your housekeeping isn’t to blame for pantry moths. Most of the time, they get into your house because they’re already inside dry food’s packaging or have built a cocoon on cans or jars.
What scent do pantry moths hate?
Fill sachets with dried lavender, or dip cotton balls in lavender essential oil. Then, place them in your closets, drawers, and boxes of off-season clothes. Lavender smells great to us, but it’s highly repellent to moths and other insects.
Are pantry moths hard to get rid of?
If you’ve ever opened your pantry and had little moths flying into your face you’ve probably got a pantry month infestation. Also called indian meal moths, these pesky critters can be quite difficult to get rid of.
What spray kills pantry moths?
Aerosol Usage Phantom Aerosol, Microcare Aerosol or Alpine PT Aerosol may be used as a crack and crevice treatment in the corners, and cracks and crevices of the pantry and cupboards to kill the adult moths and prevent further infestations.
Are pantry moths seasonal?
Pantry moths may be seasonal in the wild, but in the toasty climes of the modern home, they reproduce year-round.
How long does it take to get rid of pantry moths?
Give It Time: If the infestation is severe, it can take up to six months to get rid of all the moths and hatching larvae around your house. Hold off on restocking your pantry (beyond what you need short-term) until you’re sure they are gone.
How long do pantry moths live for?
Life Cycle of the Pantry Moth The average is 4-7 weeks. Usually, the first noticed is the adult, which will only live 1 or 2 weeks without feeding.
Do I need an exterminator for pantry moths?
Pantry moth infestations typically require the services of pest control professionals; it is not advisable that homeowners utilize pesticides to treat an infestation on their own. However, after identifying an infestation, it can be helpful to clean the affected area.
Can pantry moths get into Tupperware?
Transferring your dry goods into airtight Tupperware containers will keep it away from kitchen intruders. Having opened packets of lentils, flour(s) and cereals are a tempting invitations to moths, which could lead to severe infestation.
Do bay leaves keep pantry moths away?
Adding a bay leaf to packages and containers of dry goods like grains, rice, or flour will keep pantry pests at bay (pun intended). Bay leaves can repel flies, moths, roaches, and mice, simply because they can’t stand the bitter smell the leaves exude. Many other plants and herbs have pest-repelling properties as well.
How do you stop pantry moths?
How To Prevent & Get Rid Of Pantry Moths Thoroughly clean every nook, cranny, corner, and crevice with a vacuum and/or warm, soapy water (dry thoroughly). Wipe shelves, food containers, and other surfaces with white vinegar. To prevent infestation, store foods in airtight glass, metal, or plastic containers.
What is a home remedy to get rid of pantry moths?
Lay bay leaves or lemon peels on the shelves in your pantry or food cabinet. You can also sprinkle cinnamon, black pepper, peppermint or coriander on the shelves. These all-natural ingredients repel pantry moths and keep them from re-infesting your food.
Can pantry moths make you sick?
Pantry moths, also known as Indian Meal Moths, are the most common moth to infest food in North American homes. So will pantry moths or their larvae, eggs and webbing make you sick if you accidentally eat them? The experts say no. So, if you ingest them, don’t panic.
