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How to Prevent Pantry Moths

Pantry moths are present in grain and food products worldwide. Since they are so widespread, the chance of inadvertently bringing some into the home is likely. There are a number of different kinds, but all are under an inch long and gray or brown. Eggs hatch into tan caterpillars (larvae), which eat stored food as they grow. Then a cocoon forms. Moths emerge from these in several weeks. Dead adult moths, larval skins and excrement contaminate food.

Things You'll Need

  • Water-tight containers
  • Broom and dustpan
  • Vacuum cleaner with crevice tool
  • Hot soapy water
  • Caulk
  • Pheromone traps
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Instructions

  1. Maintain Stored Foods

    • 1

      Inspect preferred larval foods such as rice, flours, cake mixes, crackers, bread crumbs, pet food, raisins and other dried fruits, nuts, cereals, cookies, chocolate, spices, corn meal, birdseed and dried milk routinely. Look for caterpillars and webbing in foods and containers. This allows early detection of infestations.

    • 2

      Use glass or plastic containers for food storage that don't leak when filled with water and turned upside down. Pantry moth caterpillars can chew through paper, cellophane, plastic bags and foil. Avoid open containers.

    • 3

      Keep new foods separate from older foods. This avoids possible contamination from old to new foods or vice versa. Often eggs or larvae are brought in on new unopened foodstuffs.

    • 4

      Set up a rotational system for food use. Use up older items first. Avoid overly long storage of foods.

    Keep Storage Area Clean

    • 5

      Clean up any spilled foods. Pay special attention to spillages under shelving, in crevices or angles or behind other items. Use a broom and dustpan or vacuum cleaner with crevice tool.

    • 6

      Eliminate any eggs, caterpillars or pupae or hidden food by vacuuming and then washing pantry shelves with hot soapy water before placing food on shelves. Do this on a regular basis.

    • 7

      Eliminate cracks and crevices where moths can pupate or hide eggs. Use caulk to fill them in.

    • 8

      Eliminate any rodent nests from house premises since pantry moths can breed in grains or nuts rodents collect and then spread to food.

    • 9

      Clean storage containers well between uses.

    Avoid Pest Introduction

    • 10

      Take care in purchasing bulk foods. They are more likely to contain insect pests. Inspect bins for evidence of larvae before purchasing in bulk.

    • 11

      Avoid purchasing crushed or damaged food packages.

    • 12

      Treat incoming food by freezing it for several days before storing it. This kills eggs and larvae.

    Monitor for Infestations Using Moth Traps

    • 13

      Purchase a pheromone trap. These contain a chemical given off by female moths to attract males. A sticky surface captures any male moths.

    • 14

      Place trap in storage area. One trap is enough.

    • 15

      Check weekly for presence of male moths. Traps don't control infestations but simply indicate presence of pantry moths.

    • 16

      If moths are present, locate and eliminate infestations.

    • 17

      Replace trap as advised by manufacturer. The chemical wears out over time.

    Monitor for Infestations Visually

    • 18

      Become familiar with appearance of adult pantry moths.

    • 19

      Inspect moths around indoor lights to determine if pantry moths are among them. Do this even in cold months since pantry moths breed year-round.

    • 20

      Locate and eliminate the infestation, if pantry moths appear.

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