What does pantry moth look like?

What do Pantry Moths Look Like? While they do look like clothes moths, there are some distinctive features that make pantry moths stand out. With a wingspan of 5/8-inch, they really are rather small. Their wings have a pale greyish tint and some outer wings are more reddish brown.

How do you know if you have pantry moths?

Telltale signs of pantry moth infestations include webbing along the corners of packages or on the product inside, flour or cereal products with an unpleasant odor, or sticky secretions that cause grains to clump together.

What do you do when you see a pantry moth?

What does a pantry moth infestation look like?

Some of the signs of a pantry moth infestation include: The moth itself in the pantry, or some small caterpillars. Along the corners of packages or on the inside even, webbing or sticky secretions can be visible. There can be an unpleasant odor emitting from the food container or even grains clumping together.

Where are pantry moths coming from?

Pantry moths almost always gain entry to your home through purchased dry food items that were contaminated at the food processing or packaging plant. Once in your home, they can spread if the products are stored in cardboard or thin plastic containers that allow the larvae to eat through and spread to other containers.

The BEST Way to Get Rid of Pantry Moths

How long does it take to get rid of pantry moths?

Give It Time: If the infestation is severe, it can take up to six months to get rid of all the moths and hatching larvae around your house. Hold off on restocking your pantry (beyond what you need short-term) until you're sure they are gone.

How long do pantry moths live for?

The life span of a pantry moth varies depending on food and temperatures. The average is 8-12 weeks for one generation. Four to six generations could take residence in a home.

Where do pantry moths nest?

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.

Why do I suddenly have moths in my house?

"Clothes moths can enter homes by hiding out in clothing, furniture or home goods purchased from thrift stores, garage sales or consignment shops; and pantry moths can enter via eggs laid in foods like flour, cereal, beans and dried fruit," added Tucker.

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.

What scent do pantry moths hate?

Fill sachets with dried lavender, or dip cotton balls in lavender essential oil. Then, place them in your closets, drawers, and boxes of off-season clothes. Lavender smells great to us, but it's highly repellent to moths and other insects.

Where do pantry moths lay eggs?

Pantry moths lay their eggs on stored food and grains. Finding an adult moth may be a sign that there are infested items somewhere in the home. Adult females can lay hundreds of eggs directly on or near potential food sources, and the damage is done by the larvae (tiny caterpillars).

What is a home remedy to get rid of pantry moths?

Lay bay leaves or lemon peels on the shelves in your pantry or food cabinet. You can also sprinkle cinnamon, black pepper, peppermint or coriander on the shelves. These all-natural ingredients repel pantry moths and keep them from re-infesting your food.

Why do pantry moths keep coming back?

Where Do They Come From? While you may need to clean your pantry to get rid of them, your housekeeping isn't to blame for pantry moths. Most of the time, they get into your house because they're already inside dry food's packaging or have built a cocoon on cans or jars.

Are pantry moths harmful?

Pantry moths cause no physical harm to people or pets; they do not bite or sting or cause any seriously health risks. However, they contaminate your food and when this occurs all affected food should be immediately discarded. Pantry moths are the definition of nuisance pests!

What time of year are moths most active?

When do clothes moths emerge? Warmer winters, central heating and an increasing popularity of clothes made from natural fibres mean that clothes moths are now a year-long problem. There is, however, still a noticeable emergence in adult moths around April and May and a second wave in August and September.

Where do moths hide in the house?

Where do they hide? They avoid light and are most commonly found in dark locations such as basements, attics and closets. Within these locations, moths can be found in the folds of fabrics or hiding in corners.

What time of year do moths hatch?

In the United States, Moth Season usually starts in the spring and ends two to four weeks after you first begin seeing the moths emerge. During this 2-4 week period, the moths will mate and females will lay their eggs to make room for a new generation.

How do you stop pantry moths?

Wipe shelves, food containers, and other surfaces with white vinegar. For added protection, use a few drops of essential oil like peppermint, citronella, eucalyptus, or tea tree. To prevent infestation, store foods in airtight glass, metal, or plastic containers. Bay leaves repel pantry insects.

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.

Can pest control 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.

How quickly do pantry moths lay eggs?

Pantry Moth Propagation

The moth will lay these eggs all at once or over 18 days. The extremely tiny eggs will be near foodstuffs, especially strong-smelling or poorly packaged goods. Those eggs will then hatch within 7 days of being laid. Sometimes, it can take up to 14 days.

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.

Can you eat flour with moths in it?

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.