Moths in your pantry are a huge problem, but there are some simple steps you can take to deter the creepy crawlies. Learning to identify an infestation and catching it early can save you a lot of heartache in the long run, not to mention your sanity.
How do moths get into your pantry?
Moths get into pantries just like they do your wardrobe, on your clothes, and in your carpet. But, first, they lay eggs that hatch into the crawling larvae that eat natural fibers, including grains and cereals.
They find their way into buildings via sewer pipes or cracks in exterior walls. Moths are notorious for slipping through small gaps and cracks, and they tend to like warm places.
How do you know if your pantry has a moth infestation?
One of the tell-tale signs is tiny holes in dry grains and cereal—both things we keep in our pantries! If you find small holes, look closely for small piles of fine brownish or greyish-looking dust. This is frass, which is another word for moth poo.
Look for small caterpillars or tiny moths close to a food source in the kitchen. Moth larvae are voracious eaters and will go from one package of flour or cereal to the next if they can’t find their way out. They will also eat through the packaging and leave a mess.
If you find holes in any food packages or fine dust, your first step should be to set up some sticky traps like pantry moth traps (you can pick one up at your grocery store) and keep an eye on it. It’s important to know what you’re dealing with so you can keep your pantry moth infestation from getting out of control.
How do you get rid of moths in your pantry?
To get rid of the adult moths, you need to find and seal any gaps or holes around pipes or exterior walls. Also, make sure all food packages are sealed tightly and that the dust or larvae have contaminated no foods.
After that, it’s time to set up some traps! Since moths are attracted to light, setting up pantry moth traps near your lights is a great way to draw them into sticky sheets.
How can you keep moths out of your pantry in the future?
The easiest way to prevent them from getting into your pantry is to check all your dry goods for holes and other damage before placing them in the cupboard, especially products with a long shelf life. Natural moth deterrents like sachets of lavender or bay leaves and cedar blocks hung in your pantry can help keep moths at bay too.
If you do discover an infestation, deal with it quickly by cleaning the contaminated areas and placing sticky traps around before throwing away any packages that may have been affected. Keeping a clean kitchen is one of the best ways to keep moths at bay.
Having moths in your kitchen is something everyone would prefer to avoid. But, with just a little bit of preparation and knowledge, you can take steps to ensure they don’t get into your pantry in the first place! If you still need help or expert pest control services, call BugOff Pest Control in McAllen!