The appearance of the pest
Moths are related to butterflies; however, they are less common and don’t look as bright. Both feature huge compound eyes, long antennae, and tube-like mouthparts that may be rolled up when not used. A double layer of overlapping scales covers their four membranous wings, vividly coloured and intricately patterned.
The name “pantry moth” refers to numerous different species of moths that infest our kitchen cabinets. The Indian meal moth, the Mediterranean flour moth, and various grain and seed moths. The aggregate moniker “pantry moths” comes from the fact that these various species have a lot in common in terms of their general lifestyle and appearance.
Pantry moths have a wingspan of 15 mm and a body length of 10-20 mm. The majority of them are dark or grey. Like many other moths, they are nocturnal and are drawn to lights at night.
Breeding
Pantry moths have four stages of development: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
Adult moths use pheromones to find each other in the dark. After mating, females lay their eggs on open food goods and storage containers, either individually or in tiny quantities. They can lay 150-400 eggs, which hatch into tiny larvae.
The caterpillars are light yellow or cream, with a dark brown head. They will lose their skins 5 to 7 times between each moult, growing rapidly. They spin a small silken cocoon from which they will grow into adults.
The full life cycle takes 4-8 weeks from egg to adult, depending on the temperature.
Habitat
The bulk of moths stored-product pests are not native to Australia and was brought here via ships and trade by mistake. Foods are regularly infested by moths while in storage and transit. Because of their modest size, they are frequently unnoticed. Many household infestations develop when we unknowingly bring pests into our homes by purchasing food that is already contaminated.
These moths would be scavengers of plant products in the wild, feeding on seeds, fruit, and leaves. They can, however, easily adapt to interior settings. While they prefer warm environments, they are quite tough, with larvae surviving temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius.
Diet
Adult moths are not too responsible for your food’s demise. They have tiny mouthparts and don’t eat very often. The harm is caused by their voracious larvae, which will eat practically any stored product, including flour, cereals, seeds, powdered milk, dried fruits and nuts, pasta, rice, biscuits, chocolate, dry pet foods, and birdseed.
The larvae will cover the surface with silken webs while they feed, utilizing them as a refuge. Frass and food particles attach to the silken threads and webs, and these are frequently the first indicators of an infestation.
Pest Dangers
Pantry moth infestations are not only inconvenient, but they may also be costly because they turn our food inedible. They also have an opulent palate, eating expensive delicacies such as dried fruits, nuts, and chocolate.
- The chewing motion of larvae causes direct harm to food.
- Larvae also degrade food quality by contaminating it with shed skins, droppings, and the remains of dead individuals.
- The metabolic heat produced by feeding and growing larvae increases moisture and temperature. Bacteria and mould thrive in humid settings, hastening the deterioration of food.
Preventing Pests
Pantry moths are tough to eradicate once they have established themselves in your home. However, by being watchful, following thorough cleaning procedures, and limiting the moth’s access to accessible food, an infestation can frequently be averted in the first place.
- When purchasing food products, be cautious. Check for traces of silk webbing, larvae, or frass and avoid broken or damaged packaging.
- Organic cereals, nuts, and spices purchased from health food stores and marketplaces can be dangerous. Pre-packaged products are preferable to filling your bags in bulk quantities.
- Reduce the number of time products is stored in your pantry by purchasing smaller quantities of foods you use infrequently.
- All of your food should be kept in airtight containers, such as glass jars with screw-top lids. After each usage, make sure the lids are securely fastened.
- Clean up spills on your counters and in your cabinets. Hundreds of eggs can be laid by female moths on crumbs and flakes of food.
- Dry dog and cat food and birdseed stored in open containers are frequently the sources of infestations. Ensure that all food (whether for people or animals) is stored in airtight containers.
- Place flours, grains, and rice in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to a week. Without compromising the quality of your meal, this will kill any eggs, larvae, or adults.
- To kill moths and their larvae, cook food in boiling water or the oven. This method works well with items like nuts and dried fruits.
- If you locate contaminated food in your pantry, throw it out right away. Using the methods outlined above, treat any residual food items, vacuum completely, and wipe down hot water shelves.
- Before putting the food back in the cabinet, make sure it’s in airtight containers.
- Always be on the lookout! Keep an eye out for adult moths on your walls, as well as evidence of silk and frass in your meals. Sticky traps from the supermarket won’t stop an infestation, but they’re a good method to keep an eye on your house for months.
Do you know?
When sneaking into our food, pantry moths are rather skilled. Adults can squeeze through openings as small as 3mm in diameter. Larvae gnaw holes in plastic bags, cardboard boxes, and wrappers to access your products.
Natural enemies such as geckoes and spiders are one of the most effective ways to reduce moths in your home, as much as we may dislike sharing our homes with them. Consider it the least of two evils…oops, I mean weevils!
Insect Reaction
It’s nearly tough to get rid of pantry moths without expert treatment after they’ve established themselves in your home. Sticky traps and pheromone traps will reduce adult moths, but larvae and eggs are hidden in your food will not be. Furthermore, over-the-counter dust and surface sprays include harmful compounds that can be dangerous when used near food.
Our pest control recommendations can help! They offer eco-friendly, child and animal-safe pest control treatments that can be adapted to your unique needs.
Our pest control experts will evaluate your property extensively to determine the amount of your moth infestation and propose the best course of action. Chemicals specifically targeted will quickly kill moths without harming your food or your family’s health.
