There is no sight more appalling and frustrating than that of a pantry infested by moths. These pests can bring on the worst of headaches because their life cycle makes it very hard to eradicate them. Read along for a list of things to do to eliminate moths from your food store as well as tips that will help prevent a future infestation.
With this guide, you don't have to use pesticides, which may pose harm to you and your family through contamination. All you need are everyday cleaning items and, of course, the proper know-how.
First and foremost, here's a list of the four essentials that you'll need for the process:
The first step is to check your pantry for tell-tale signs of infestation like larvae and webs inside and outside food containers. It is imperative that you especially pay attention to food items in grainy forms as they attract moths.
This includes flour, cereal, pasta, baking mixes, nuts, and sweets. Overall, keep your eye out for dark crevices where moths hide or have hidden their eggs and larvae.
Every infested item should be washed or wiped down with vinegar to kill the larvae. Others should be discarded in an outdoor bin.
Next, give your store a thorough cleaning. Make sure you get at every shelf, floor, walls ensuring that you don't miss any crevice. Vacuum the shelves, paying particular attention to the corners, undersides, and shelf brackets.
Also, wipe down the shelves with hot, soapy water or vinegar; and mop the floor. After cleaning, remember to dispose of the trash collected in an outdoor bin. Also, clean out the vacuum to prevent harboring moth larvae.
Your next aim is to reduce the number of items you have in your store to aid ventilation and limit the infestation chances. If stored correctly in a sealed container, grain food items like grains and nuts can be kept in the freezer.
This can wait in the freezer just until you are sure that the moths are entirely gone. This way, you eradicate their means of sustenance, hiding their eggs and larvae to ensure continued infestation.
If you still see moths even after the extensive cleaning, you may want to do a thorough search and make a checklist of spots that you may have missed. Then go back to give them a thorough cleaning.
When there are no more signs of moths, you can restock your pantry again! However, consistently conduct a check for any sign of infestation to check for moth activity.
Make the eradication of moths and, in fact, any such pest, permanent by:
Good luck!