Getting Rid Of Pantry Moths

Sometimes getting rid of pantry moths is a task that we forget, as long as there’s delicious food in the kitchen pantry.
Some foods which are commonly infested with pantry pests include cereals flour, baking mixes, cracked grains and processed foods, pasta, crackers, preserved meats, dried fruits, nuts, powdered milk, popcorn, and some kinds of spices.
Insects that feed on any one of these products could go so far as to infect other grain-based foods such as pet food or birdseed.
Dried flowers and ornamental corn and even dried flowers fall as targets for these pests.
The most common insects which infest stored foods are dermestid beetles, Indian meal moths, sawtooth grain beetles, flour beetles, cigarette and drugstore beetles, spider beetles, and weevils who infest grain, maize, and rice.
There are several stages of an insect’s life which may be detectable at the same time in infested products (egg, larva, pupa, and adult). Since houses are generally kept warm, insects may continue to reproduce in these infested products.
The first sign of being infested is often the occurrence of little brown beetles, worms, or perhaps moths in your cupboards or counters.
A thorough inspection of opened packages or food containers may also show the presence of these invaders. Even unopened packages can be infested with insects since they can easily chew into cardboard and foil packaging, or can be brought along when you unwittingly purchase an infested product.
If left to their own devices, they will multiply and spread to other foods.
If you suspect an infestation is present, you should locate the source immediately. The source of an infestation would typically be hard to find and may be located in nooks or crannies in your cupboard.
Consider the possibility of food spills and perform a thorough cleaning of the house, making sure to vacuum even the nooks and crannies and the corners of hard to reach furniture and appliances.
After inspecting and thorough cleaning, you should try to find which items you already have at present are infested.
These should be gotten rid of immediately, making sure not to overlook unopened boxes that can still harbor insects.
You can choose to throw away infested items or salvage them by throwing them into the fridge for three to four days to effectively kill whatever is inside the containers. Putting them in an oven at 140 degrees Fahrenheit will also do the trick.
Never employ the use of pesticides or insecticides as home pest control. Use non-toxic methods. The best is the home pest control method is to remove the infested items and vacuum the area thoroughly.
Be sure to store foods in airtight containers made of glass, metal, or heavy plastic. Storing foods in the freezer or refrigerator is also a perfect way to ensure efficient pest control.