Get Rid of Pantry Moths: Free Your Home From These Intruders with Natural Remedies

To see a group of moths flying over rice and chickpea packets when opening your pantry door is not a pleasant experience. These small pests can be a frustrating and persistent problem in any household. Moths can infest your shelves with pasta, flour and grains, and contaminate your food, leading to waste and potential health risks. Stay on this page to learn some easy to prepare natural remedies to get rid of pantry moths from your home.

How to Use Essential Oils to Get Rid of Pantry Moths?

Essential oils are a natural and fragrant alternative to chemical-based repellents. With their help, you can get rid of pantry moths, while leaving a pleasant scent on the shelves with your food. Here’s how you can apply essential oils to get rid of these unwanted pests:

Treat with Lavender Oil

Prepare a dozen of cotton balls and place a few drops of lavender essential oil on each of them. Then tuck the balls into corners and crevices of your pantry. The strong aroma of this flower will keep pantry moths at bay.

Repel with Eucalyptus Oil

Mix eucalyptus essential oil with water in a spraying bottle. Then spray around your pantry shelves with food. Eucalyptus has insect-repelling properties and can keep pantry moths at bay.

Cedarwood Against Moths

Add a few drops of cedarwood oil to a cotton ball and place it in your pantry. This oil is known for its moth-repelling qualities and keeps moths away. Remember to refresh the balls with cedarwood periodically to maintain their power, and get rid of pantry moths effectively.

What Home Remedy Kills Pantry Moths?

While professional pest control methods are readily available, bay leaves are one effective home remedies you can use to get rid of pantry moths. These pests dislike the strong scent of this herb. So, place dried bay leaves in your pantry shelves and food containers to deter the pests. Remember to replace the leaves every few months to maintain their effectiveness.

What Kills Moths and Their Eggs?

To effectively get rid of pantry moths, it is crucial to remove both the adult moths and their eggs. Here are some methods to do this:

• Diatomaceous earth powder: This natural remedy, made from fossilized algae, kills both adult moths and larvae. You should sprinkle it in and around your pantry shelves. Diatomaceous earth damages the insects’ exoskeleton, leading to dehydration and death.
• Pheromone traps for moths: They attract and capture adult male moths, preventing them from mating. By removing them, the breeding cycle is interrupted, the females can not lay eggs, and the home moth population may disappear.
• Treatment with heat: If you have severe infestations or cannot salvage infested foods, consider heat treatment. Place the affected items in a sealed bag and keep them in direct sunlight or in an oven at a temperature around 130 °F (55 °C) for a few hours. This method will kill both the moths and their eggs.

How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths Forever?

Dealing with a pantry moth infestation can be frustrating, but with proper preventive measures, you can eliminate these pests entirely. Here’s how to do this:

1. Freezing: If you suspect your pantry foods are already infested, seal them in airtight containers, which you should freeze for at least four days. This will kill any eggs or larvae, effectively removing the infestation.
2. Storing food in containers: Place your food in airtight containers made of glass, metal, or plastic. This will prevent pantry moths from laying eggs there. Be sure to check for any cracks or gaps in your containers and replace them if necessary.
3. Keeping the pantry clean: Regularly clean the shelves, vacuuming and wiping them down to remove any potential food sources or debris that could attract moths. Keep your pantry dry and well-ventilated, as moths are less likely to infest areas with low humidity.
4. Check the food: Before adding any new foods to your pantry, inspect them thoroughly for signs of infestation. Look for holes, webbing, or other signs of moth activity. If you find anything suspicious, return or discard the food immediately.
5. Professional assistance: If you’ve tried various methods and the infestation persists, you may look for pest control specialists. These experts have the knowledge and experience to effectively eliminate pantry moths and provide solutions with long-term effect.

By combining these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of pest infestations and create a moth-free environment in your home.

Read also: Homemade Fly Traps for Outside: Get Rid of the Annoying Insects with a DIY and Cost-Free Solution!

Dealing with pantry moths can be a nuisance, but with the right approach, you can successfully remove them from your home. Remember, persistence is the key, and by following these steps, you can enjoy a pantry that is free from the pesky intruders.