How to Repel Pantry Moths and Meal Moths Naturally

Pantry and meal moths prefer flour, rice and other dry goods.

Pantry moths and meal moths -- and their eggs and larvae -- can infest any kitchen. It takes a fair amount of work to get rid of them, but once the original infestation has been eradicated, you can prevent these moths from returning by taking a few precautions and using all-natural repellents.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Tea tree, peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil
• Soap and water
• Bay leaves
• Vacuum cleaner
• Sponge or cleaning cloth

Instructions

1. Find the source of the infestation. Watch where the moths go. Inspect corners of cabinets and your pantry for webbing or clumpy granules (eggs), larvae, and adult moths.

2. 

   Flour is a popular source of infestation for pantry moths.

   Remove any food sources, whether it be an old cereal box, a torn bag of flour, or even the shallow crevices around the tops of cans. Dispose of the infested items in the garbage, outside the house.

3. Completely empty out the cabinets and pantry. Remove all items stored there and inspect them for evidence of moths. If they are clean, set them aside. If they show any signs of infestation, throw them away outside, away from the house, to avoid reinfestation.

4. Vacuum the corners of the cabinets. Using the cleaning cloth and hot soapy water, wipe down the surfaces of the shelves and walls, being especially diligent in the nooks and crannies. Dry everything thoroughly.

5. 

   Bay leaves repel pantry and meal moths, after the original infestation has been removed.

   Wipe all surfaces with vinegar. Vinegar acts as a natural repellent to pantry and meal moths. To be extra sure, add some peppermint, eucalyptus or tea tree oil to the vinegar. Scatter bay leaves on the shelves and inside canisters, as bay leaves also repel moths.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep dry goods such as flour, cereal, rice, spaghetti and other grain products in airtight containers, to prevent pantry moth infestation.

• Use of an all-natural pheromone trap will help determine the location of the moth invasion. This sort of device only captures male moths, but it will show you where the infestation is located. For small infestations, sometimes the traps may be all that you need.

References

• Re-nest: Home Hacks: How to Prevent and Get Rid of Pantry Moths
• Living With Bugs: Pantry, Meal, Kitchen, Flour & Grain Moths