How To Get Rid of Pantry Moths

Have you ever opened a cereal box only to discover that there are moths living in and eating your food? None of us want to contend with a pantry moth infestation, but it can happen to anyone. Pantry moths aren't only unsanitary but can cost you a lot of money when it comes to replacing groceries. If you are worried about moths invading your pantries, check out these tips on how to get rid of pantry moths. 

• What Are Pantry Moths?
• Life Cycle of Pantry Moths
• What Attracts Pantry Moths?
• How To Prevent Pantry Moths
• How To Get Rid of Pantry Moths

What Are Pantry Moths?

The pantry moth, also known as the Indian meal moth, is a small gray, tan, or brown flying insect and is considered one of the most common household pests in the U.S. Pantry moths can chew through plastic bags and cardboard containers to get inside where they feed and lay eggs. 

Pantry Moth vs Clothes Moth

Some people might think a moth is a moth, but there are some stark differences between pantry moths and clothes moths.

Pantry Moth

Pantry moths are small insects that have bronze or dark gray wings with a wingspan of about 5/8 of an inch. A pantry moth will be most comfortable in the kitchen, where there's plenty of food for it to eat. They feed on loose grains, sugars, and pasta, but they can also be attracted to pet food and dried fruits. 

Clothes Moths

Clothes moths are solid whitish-gray or have darker brown or gray spots on the wings. They feed on a protein found in natural fibers and hair called keratin. Things like silk, leather, wool, animal fur, pet hair, and even human hair are all on the menu. A moth may be small, but it can do some real damage to your garments if you aren't careful. 

Are Moths Dangerous?

In general, moths are not dangerous. As far as humans are concerned, they don't attack or harm us. Unlike wasps, spiders, and ants, moths do not bite or sting, though they can be a nuisance and can contaminate food. 

Life Cycle of Pantry Moths

Understanding the life cycle of a pantry moth is key to getting rid of them. 

Egg Stage

A female Pantry Moth can lay, on average, about 300 eggs over the course of 18 days. Eggs are laid near food, especially those that smell strongly or are poorly packaged. Within seven days of laying the eggs, they will hatch. 

Larvae Stage

Pantry moth larvae cause the most damage during their larval stage. As they eat and eat, they excrete a waste called frass. Frass and webbing will contaminate the food, rendering it unfit for consumption. In general, the larval stage lasts 2-3 months, depending on conditions and food availability. 

Pupa Stage

Once they have eaten enough to pupate, the pupae will move to corners of the pantry, behind furniture, or even beneath other objects in the pantry. After 15-20 days, the pupae metamorphose into adult moths. Females lay their eggs immediately after emerging from their cocoons, while males fertilize the eggs. Then, the cycle starts all over again. 

What Attracts Pantry Moths?

Pantry moths are attracted to the sweet smells coming from your pantry. They aren't picky about their food either. Moths love to eat:

 How To Prevent Pantry Moths

Even though it may seem like pantry moths appear out of nowhere, they most often get into our homes through our groceries. Here are some helpful tips to prevent you from bringing a pantry moth infestation into your home.

• After shopping, transfer dry goods and grains to air-tight containers.
• Use a washcloth with soap and water to wash down canned and bottled goods. 
• Remove adhesive shelf liners or contact paper. Pantry moths love to build cocoons or lay eggs under them.
• Use natural repellents like dry bay leaves or lavender to deter moths.

What Smells Do Pantry Moths Hate?

No one likes the smell of mothballs. Luckily, natural methods are just as effective and often cheaper. To prevent future infestations, try these natural remedies to get rid of moths, such as:

What To Do If You Have Pantry Moths

Once you have pantry moths, getting rid of them can be a real chore. Leaving a cocoon or egg behind can cause the infestation to begin anew in no time. Here are some tips to get rid of pantry moths completely: 

#1: Throw It All Out

If you have an infestation, the best thing to do is to cut your losses and toss everything in your pantry. This is the only way to be sure that all moths, eggs, and larvae are out of your pantry. Leaving something behind could contaminate future food containers. 

#2: Remove Shelving and Contact Paper 

Moths love to lay their eggs and pupate in the corners of the pantry and under the contact paper. Remove all your shelves, check where the shelves meet the wall, and clean thoroughly. Remove all contact paper to discourage moths from laying eggs.

#3: Disinfect 

Mix vinegar with three parts water in a squirt bottle and add 5-10 drops of peppermint oil. Then wipe down every surface, crevice, and hole where moth eggs can be hiding. 

#4: Protect Your Food

Place all food that could be contaminated by moths in a sealed glass or plastic container. This includes rice, cereals, and pasta.

If you need help removing common household and pantry pests, look no further than Deans Services. Our team of local exterminators is here to provide you with all the tips, tricks, insights, and treatments to keep your home pest-free.