How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths Fast

Getting rid of pantry moths can be a big job, depending on the severity. These pests will quickly overrun your food, devouring plastic bags and cardboard boxes.

A single female pantry moth can lay hundreds of eggs. So, if you find a moth near your food, it may be a sign of nearby larvae. Act quickly to eliminate these insects and prevent the infestation from spreading.

Here’s how to get rid of pantry moths effectively.

What Kind of Food Do Pantry Moths Like?

Knowing which food pantry moths prefer can help you identify affected items. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, these insects enjoy a wide range of foods, including cereal, grains, chocolate, spices, candy, pet food, beans, nuts, and flour.

One telltale sign of pantry moths is seeing adult moths flying through the kitchen. Other signs to watch for include silk webbing on ceilings, pantry walls, cans, jars, or food packages, as well as plastic bags or cardboard boxes with holes, worm-like larvae in food packages, and clumping or sticky grain.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get rid of pantry moths.

Since one pantry moth can lay hundreds of eggs, an infestation can spread rapidly. Be thorough in inspecting and cleaning your pantry or cupboards.

Remove and inspect all food from your pantry or affected cabinet.

Dispose of the following:

– Opened food not stored in a glass or plastic airtight container.

– Packages with small holes.

– Packages with webs or larvae.

Pantry moth larvae are capable of chewing through plastic bags and cardboard boxes, so check unopened packages for holes.

Store “keep” items in a plastic tote to contain any potential infestation. Monitor for signs of pantry moths.

You can place grains or cereal in the freezer for a week to kill eggs.

Step 3: Clean the Affected Area

Use a vacuum attachment to clean the pantry or cabinet—vacuum shelves, the wall, ceiling, floor, baseboards, and pantry doors.

Create a solution of half-white distilled vinegar and half water to wipe down every inch of the space. If you’re working in the pantry, mop the floor as well.

Step 4: Monitor the Area

Don’t put your food back after cleaning. Instead, hang a yellow sticky trap in the affected area and keep it clear. If there are no signs of pantry moths after a couple of weeks, you can use your cabinet or pantry as usual.

If the pantry moths return, repeat these steps and clean the surrounding cabinets.

How to Prevent Pantry Moths from Returning

The best way to prevent a pantry moth infestation is to store grains and cereal in airtight containers. Other helpful tips include: clean up food spills, repel moths with peppermint, and avoid opening doors and windows without screens. Do you need an exterminator for pantry moths?

If you’ve tried eliminating pantry moths but they keep coming back, it’s time to call an exterminator who can use pesticides to eliminate them.

Here are some commonly asked questions about pantry moth infestations:

– Can I use mothballs to get rid of pantry moths?

It’s important not to use mothballs near food as they emit toxic fumes. Mothballs are only legal if used in airtight containers.

– How do I get rid of pantry moth larvae on ceilings?

If you notice silk webbing or larvae on your ceiling, vacuum it up and empty the canister outside to prevent reinfestation. Pay special attention to corners and light fixtures, vacuuming every square inch of the ceiling. Then wipe down the ceiling with a mixture of half white distilled vinegar and half water.

– How do I get rid of pantry moths in the bedroom?

Final Thoughts

Pantry moth infestations spread quickly. If you see moths, silk webs, or larvae near your food, act promptly by cleaning the area. For smaller infestations, discard affected food and vacuum larvae and eggs to stop the spread.

However, larger infestations may take up to six months to fully eliminate if all eggs or larvae are not removed during the initial cleaning process.