And how do I make them go away?
First, you saw a single small moth flying about the kitchen. Now moths are swarming the light during your evening meal.
What’s going on? Most likely, you have a pantry moth infestation. Pantry moths are brought into the home in infested food items.
Food gets infested at the granary, food processing plant, warehouse or grocery store when moths lay eggs in and on packages of flour, grain, cereal, dried beans, dry pet food and bird seed. You unknowingly buy these products and store them in the cupboard.
Eventually, the eggs hatch into little worm-like larvae, which you may (or may not!) see wiggling in your food before you take a bite. The larvae form cocoons during the pupae stage of their life cycle, eventually emerging as adult moths, which lay more eggs.
If not eradicated, panty moths can infest other items in your cupboard, from graham crackers to granola.
How do I get rid of pantry moths?
Follow the proven pantry moth control regimen from Pest HQ. Our experts offer step-by-step DIY instructions to identify, eliminate and prevent small-moth infestations.
Dispose of infested goods, disinfect cupboards, and store dry food items in tightly sealed containers.
In addition, set out pantry moth pheromone traps, which lure in the moths and effectively stop the breeding cycle. (Learn how to use them.)
Never use bug spray or foggers to control pantry moths. Not only is this unnecessary and potentially unlawful, but you may contaminate the food eaten by your family or pet.
Read more:
Pantry Moths / Moths in the house
Identify the moth - Make sure you’re dealing with pantry moths. (Clothes moths also infest homes and require a different control approach.)
