What You Need to Know About Pantry Moths: A blog about know what pantry moths are, how they get in your food and how you can get rid of them.

You see it in every grocery store; people stocking their pantries with all sorts of food stuff. You also see it in homes; especially in the kitchen pantry. A little brown moth flying around. This little insect can be quite annoying as it likes to fly around the kitchen and settle in your food. Now, most people don't pay much attention to this "pantry moth" until they realize that the moth is not leaving and nibbling on their food. Finding pantry moths in your home can be quite annoying, so you want to know what you can do about them.

What are pantry moths?

There are more than 1,000 types of pantry moths. The Indian meal moth, the Mediterranean flour moth, the almond moth and the casemaking clothes moth are just a few. They can be found in any food-filled home. However, one of the most common types of moths to infest pantries and kitchens is the Indian meal moth, also called the "pantry moth." They are tiny, with a wingspan of about one centimetre. They are usually white in colour with brown heads, but can also be tan or pink.

How can you tell if there's a pantry moth infestation?

There are many ways to tell if you have a pantry moth infestation, but the easiest way is to look for the telltale signs of an infestation. Some of the signs of a pantry moth infestation include:
- Finding adult moths around your kitchen or pantry
- Finding larvae in your food
- Finding larvae on your pantry shelves
- Finding webbing in your food
- Finding cocoons in your food
- Tiny holes in your grain products and/or packets

How to prevent pantry moths

It's estimated that 10% of all homes are infested with pantry moths, and the best way to avoid them is to ensure that you have a well-sealed kitchen. Moths are attracted to foods that contain high levels of starch, so flour, cereals, grains, pasta and other starchy foods will be prime targets for them. If you have these foods in your kitchen then you're at risk of having a few unwanted moth visitors.

They can be a pain to find and kill, and they can ruin your food. One of the best ways to prevent them is to keep your pantry clean. If you find any signs of a moth infestation, you should try to find the source and eliminate it. One way to prevent the infestation of these pesky insects is to store food in airtight containers. Another way is to store food in the refrigerator.  

How to kill pantry moths

Pantry moths are a problem for many people and can be quite difficult to get rid of.  Pantry moths are an issue in many homes. These pests can be a nuisance and can cause a lot of damage if they go unchecked. They can eat through your food and ruin your kitchen! There are a variety of ways to kill these pests, but one of the most effective ways is to do a deep clean. Here's how you do it:
- Take all the packs of food out of your pantry
- Seal any infested food or food packets in a plastic bag and put outside in the rubbish bin
- Vacuum the shelves and drawers in your pantry
- Clean your shelves and drawers with a cleaning solution, including the undersides
- Place all food you can store in sealed plastic containers
- Inspect new food as you buy it, or put into your pantry, for evidence of pantry moths
- Include indoor general pest spray with your regular pest treatment. 

We are always here to help you with any pest control concerns you may have. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns about getting rid of pantry moths or any other pests. Remember to contact MD Pest Control at 0407 614 220 to book your general pest control service or use our online booking system and to get rid of those pesky pantry moths!