How to Eradicate Pantry Moths
Pantry moths, also known as weevils, are a type of winged insect attracted to common pantry food items such as packaged cereal, dried herbs or flour. You may notice them flying around your pantry or simply see tears in packaging. Pantry moth infestation typically occurs during the food packaging process, states Penn State University College of Agricultural Sciences, so you may not be able to completely prevent them However, you can completely eradicate any existing pantry moths. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vacuum cleaner
- Bucket
- Rubber or latex gloves
- Antibacterial soap
- Hot water
- Sponge
- Cloth
- Kitchen-safe insecticide
Instructions
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Remove all the food items from your pantry and set them aside. Vacuum the pantry floor to get rid of any crumbs or spilled foods that may attract more pantry moths.
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2
Fill a large bucket with hot water and antibacterial soap. Put on rubber gloves and dip a sponge into the hot, soapy water.
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3
Wipe your pantry shelves thoroughly with the soapy sponge to get rid of any lingering food spills so the moths will not come back. Dampen a clean cloth and wipe away all the soap off of the shelves.
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4
Wait for your pantry shelves to dry completely. Examine your food items (open any sealed packages in case the pantry moths are inside) while you are waiting and throw away any containers that have moths or small tears that indicate infestation.
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5
Apply a kitchen-safe insecticide to the entire surface of your pantry after it is dry, including the shelves, floor and any cracks or crevices. Keep the pantry door closed for at least four hours or for the length of time the insecticide manufacturer recommends, before putting remaining food back onto the shelves.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep pasta, flour, cereal and other dried pantry food items in airtight glass containers rather than their cardboard or paper packaging to prevent future pantry moth infestation damage. Report any pantry moth infestation in packaged foods to the company's manufacturer to get reimbursed for the food item.
Read and follow the manufacturer's directions carefully for the proper and safe use of the kitchen-safe insecticide. Always keep your pantry free of crumbs or spilled food to prevent pantry moths from coming back.
