Can an exterminator get rid of Indian meal moths?

Author: Prof. Dillon Rolfson  |  Last update: Saturday, February 7, 2026

Your local Orkin Pro is trained to help manage Indian Meal moths and similar pests. Since every building or home is different, your Orkin Pro will design a unique moth treatment program for your situation. Orkin can provide the right solution to keep Indian Meal moths in their place… out of your home, or business.

How does an exterminator get rid of pantry moths?

We will come out, inspect and treat for the adult, flying pantry moths. We want to make sure we treat the areas in the cupboards with a residual spray so that it's long lasting. Our goal is to get them under control, not just eradicate the ones you see. One important thing we do is place pheromone traps.

How to get rid of Indian meal moth infestation?

The only way to control Indian meal moths is to locate infested materials and clean them out. A thorough cleaning is also needed to get rid of errant caterpillars, cocoons and food sources. No one recommends spraying insecticides in cupboards or food areas because of the risk of illness from eating contaminated food.

Can an exterminator get rid of moths in the house?

Western Exterminator moth specialists

We will also schedule and provide the right moth treatment for your home. We offer moth extermination that will remove moths and we can help prevent them from coming back.

How long does a moth infestation last?

The entire cycle takes roughly 4-6 months. So, a successful moth battle is twofold: kill the tiny, voracious larvae eating through your natural fiber textiles, and kill the moths before they mate, lay more eggs and begin the life cycle again.

How To Get Rid Of Pantry Moths | Indian Meal Moth Traps That Work

Can professionals get rid of moths?

One or two around your home is usually nothing to worry about, but when you have an infestation, moths can cause expensive damage and sometimes cause a health risk. It is difficult to get rid of moths, so it is wise to employ the services of a professional moth pest control company in London and Kent.

How long does it take to get rid of pantry moth infestation?

Pantry moths are harmless and don't bite, but they can infiltrate food items that are not sealed airtight. An infestation of pantry moths requires throwing away affected items, cleaning up, and securing other food items. It can take up to a month to get rid of pantry moths by disrupting their lifecycle.

Is there a bomb for pantry moths?

Do Bug Bombs Work on Moths? For the most part, yes. The formula used to create most bug bombs and fumigators will work on moths of all kinds as well. The reason for this is the ingredients used within the bug fogger or bomb.

Why are pantry moths so hard to get rid of?

The larvae and pupa of pantry moths can survive for months without food, which makes eliminating an infestation difficult.

What kills pantry moths instantly?

For an instant kill, cleaning containers using a solution of hot soapy water will instantly kill Pantry Moth Eggs. Additionally, freezing items will kill eggs and larvae, although you must wait 72 hours for this method to be effective.

Can pantry moths live in vents?

These moths can get in through cracks around doors and windows or even via your ventilation system. Moths may even lay eggs on secondhand furniture or rugs that later hatch in your house. In the larvae stage, these insects can wreak havoc on your house.

Where do Indian meal moths nest?

Within the United States, the moth is most commonly found in Florida, where it thrives in the tropical habitat. The moth lives in a wide range of conditions, making it a persistent pest. It is often found at food storage facilities worldwide, specifically in grain bins or grain storage buildings.

Can you starve out pantry moths?

Starving pantry moths can be difficult, as they can survive without food for several weeks.

Does Orkin get rid of moths?

Orkin Pros are trained to help manage moths and similar pests that invade homes. Since every yard or home is unique, your Orkin Pro will design a special moth treatment plan for your situation.

Can an exterminator get rid of pantry bugs?

To help get rid of pantry beetles, make sure to call your Orkin Pro for effective pantry beetle treatment. Call your local Orkin branch for pantry pest control.

What scent do pantry moths hate?

What smells do moths hate? Clothes Moths detest the scent of cedar. They also dislike rosemary, thyme, sage, mint, bergamot, and lavender. Rosemary, thyme, and peppermint oils can be great for keeping Pantry Moths away.

Do airtight containers keep pantry moths out?

As such, airtight storage is recommended. To keep moths out of your pantry goods, it is best to use solid glass or plastic containers with sealable lids. Make sure that all of the lids have an airtight or rubber seal. This will prevent moths from being able to squeeze through.

How do I find the source of pantry moths?

If you already have an infestation, carefully inspect all potential food sources including spices, cereals, grains, dry pet foods, pasta, seeds, nuts, tea, dried flowers and dried fruit. Pantry moth caterpillars are hard to see; look for the silken webbing they produce, which can cause food grains to clump together.

How to get rid of Indian meal moth?

What You Can Do
  1. Inspection: Empty cabinets and pantries and check inside every food package. ...
  2. Thorough Cleanup: Use a vacuum to remove spilled food and insects from the empty shelves while paying close attention to the cracks and gaps between shelves and cabinet walls. ...
  3. Seal Holes: Any holes should be sealed.

What is the lifespan of the Indianmeal moth?

A life cycle can be completed in 27 to 305 days. A single female can lay up to 400 eggs after mating. The mating and laying of eggs occurs about three days after adult emergence. The eggs can be laid singly or in clusters, and are generally oviposited directly on the larval food source.

Can you spray for pantry moths?

And since it only takes 2-3 missed pantry moths to enable a new infestation, its best to treat the areas and be done with them for good. The best way to treat these areas is to do what we call “crack and crevice” spraying.

Can you get an exterminator for Pantry Moths?

Like a moth to a flame, we've got you covered.

Don't let your pantry and closets get taken over by moths. Our highly-trained Pros are well versed in the latest in moth control and treatment.

How does an exterminator get rid of moths?

For the fabric moth pests, non-chemical methods e.g. vacuuming/sanitation, proper storage, and conventional materials e.g. liquid sprays and dusts are commonly used. Monitoring using various traps including pheromone traps where applicable is done thereafter to ensure moth problems do not persist.

Will Terminix get rid of moths?

At Terminix, moth control is included in our general pest control plans. We also treat other common pests, such as mice, rats, roaches, spiders, and ants. Our pest control service includes a comprehensive interior and exterior inspection and treatment.

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