Do pantry moths eat through cardboard?

Yes, pantry moths can eat through plastic and cardboard! Don't store anything in your pantry that isn't in hard plastic or glass containers. Mason jars work well for storing snacks, and you can use these storage containers for cereals, pasta and flour.

Can moths get into cardboard boxes?

5. Properly Store Items. Closet moths find their way in through small entry points and weak storage methods such as cardboard boxes, bags with holes, and unsealed containers. These destructive pests won't know you have an enticing buffet of wool coats packed in your basement if they're packed in airtight containers.

Can pantry moths eat through paper?

Since pantry moth larvae can eat through paper or plastic, any food that's not in a can or jar is a potential food source and breeding ground for them. This includes dry goods that haven't even been opened.

How do pantry moths get into sealed packages?

The main reason you suddenly get pantry moths in your sealed container is that its larvae could already infest some of the food you purchase. Make it a habit to check the food you buy. Inspect areas in the house that store food.

What containers keep pantry moths out?

You will want to use heavy plastic containers with airtight lids if at all possible. For my project I used the OXO brand food storage containers because they are BPA free and made of clear plastic. I like to be able to see what's in my pantry.

The BEST Way to Get Rid of Pantry Moths

Can pantry moths get through Ziploc bags?

Larvae can survive on small amounts of food under cabinets and in corners. Transfer bulk items from plastic bags to sturdy glass or plastic containers. Pantry moth larvae can chew through plastic and Ziploc bags to access food.

Can pantry bugs get into sealed packages?

Pantry pests are most likely to infest products that have been opened but they also can get into unopened paper, thin cardboard, and plastic, foil or cellophane-wrapped packages. They may chew their way into packages or crawl in through folds and seams.

Can pantry moths survive in the fridge?

Can pantry moths live or survive in the refrigerator? No. Though pantry moths can live almost anywhere in the home; they can't survive place with freezing temperatures. It is the reason why it is advisable to store food grain products in the refrigerator for some days after shopping for groceries.

How do I get rid of pantry moths forever?

How long is the life cycle of a pantry moth?

Life Cycle of the Pantry Moth

Moths follow the life cycle: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The life cycle may be completed in as little as 30 days or as long as 300 days, depending on food availability and temperature. The warmer the temperature, the faster the cycle completes. The average is 4-7 weeks.

Do bay leaves keep pantry moths away?

Adding a bay leaf to packages and containers of dry goods like grains, rice, or flour will keep pantry pests at bay (pun intended). Bay leaves can repel flies, moths, roaches, and mice, simply because they can't stand the bitter smell the leaves exude.

What temperature kills pantry moths?

Storing food in your freezer for four days will guarantee killing the moths. Heating also works. 130 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours should do the trick.

Do moths lay eggs in paper?

Paper is actually a starchy food source for moth larvae. Paper bags, cookbooks, magazines, tea bags, and anything else with paper in it can contain larvae worms. Dispose of ALL the paper in your pantry to ensure no eggs or larvae are accidentally left behind.

How do you keep moths out of boxes?

Take care to store clothes made of wool, fur, or feathers in tightly sealing plastic storage bins or compression storage bags. Place suits, dresses, or other hanging clothes in garment bags, sealed and without holes (tape over any seams or joints). Avoid fabric containers, which moths can eat through.

How do I find the source of pantry moths?

You may find larvae and pupae tucked away in door hinges, backs of door knobs, and corners of wire baskets; underneath shelves, and around the edges of jar lids, cans, and non-food items also stored in your pantry or cupboard. The larvae can chew through paper and plastic.

What happens if you eat pantry moth larvae?

So will pantry moths or their larvae, eggs and webbing make you sick if you accidentally eat them? The experts say no. So, if you ingest them, don't panic. Indian meal moths are not known to spread any known diseases, parasites or pathogens.

Are there traps for pantry moths?

Safe and non-toxic, TERRO® Pantry Moth Traps contain a powerful pheromone lure that attracts moths to the trap's sticky surface where they get stuck and die. Simply place the moth traps in areas where moths are observed. TERRO® Pantry Moth Traps attract and kill the most common moths.

Can an exterminator get rid of pantry moths?

Don't stop looking, until you figure out where they're hiding. Call Hilton Head Exterminators! Before restocking your pantry, make an appointment with our office to have your pantry treated for Indianmeal moths. Our products can eliminate the problem.

Why are pantry moths in my bathroom?

Home drains are a prime spot for stagnant water or bacteria to accumulate, especially if the sink or drain sits unused. If you've suddenly noticed an abundance of very small, moth-like creatures hanging around your sinks, showers, or bathtub, you may have drain flies.

Are pantry moths dormant in winter?

During the wintertime, Indian meal moths do not die off; rather, they enter a state of dormancy called diapause. Before resting, they will first seek out warm places with food sources to lay their eggs.

Do pantry moths eat potatoes?

They feed in a number of food products that are not refrigerated, canned or in airtight containers. Their food choices include grain-based foods like corn meal, pancake and muffin mix, flour, rice, barley, cereal, oatmeal, pasta, unpopped popcorn, corn starch, dry bread crumbs and instant mashed potato flakes.

What spray kills pantry moths?

Aerosol Usage

Phantom Aerosol, Microcare Aerosol or Alpine PT Aerosol may be used as a crack and crevice treatment in the corners, and cracks and crevices of the pantry and cupboards to kill the adult moths and prevent further infestations.

Do pantry moths turn into worms?

Pantry (Indian meal moth) larvae infest food and resemble small worms.

Will Ziploc bags keep bugs out?

Ziploc Bags

Food items like flour and sugar are often targets for ants and other small bugs. It is easy for ants to get inside bags of flour and sugar because they just do not stay sealed. Once you open a bag or flour or sugar, put the bag inside a Ziploc bag and seal it tightly.

Do airtight containers keep bugs out?

Embrace Airtight Everything

If you've been looking for a reason to invest in new containers for your pantry, this is a good one. The best way to keep pests like flour mites, grain weevils, and pantry moths out of your essentials is to store the ingredients in airtight containers.