Remedy to Get Rid of Moths in the Pantry

Indianmeal moths commonly feed on cereal and coarsely ground grains.

When attempting to combat an infestation of moths in a pantry, don't overlook a potential source of the moths: the very food that you are trying to protect. Packages of meal or flour may contain eggs or larvae of the Indianmeal moth. Although the meal or flour is the point of origin, the moths may find their way into any pantry food items not properly stored.

Cleaning

Besides the insects themselves, an Indianmeal moth infestation leaves signs such as webbing in tight places and holes in food containers. Destroy packages that the moths have infested and thoroughly wash or vacuum shelves and corners to remove eggs and pupae.

Pheromone Traps

Pheromone traps for Indianmeal moths are available in retail stores. They attract adult male moths that remain after you remove the source of infestation and trap them to sticky surfaces. While you will not catch female moths, you will interrupt the life cycle by trapping the males before they mate.

Food Storage

Moths may leave behind larvae or pupae that could create another infestation. Store food in airtight containers, the refrigerator or freezer for at least one month after removing the infested food products.

References

• University of California: Pantry Pests
• Colorado State University: Indian Meal Moth