No, pantry moths do not eat baking soda. Their larvae feed on dry, nutrient-dense foods like grains, flour, pet food, and dried fruit. However, the moths can still infest boxes or bags of baking soda to hide or lay eggs, which is why pests are sometimes found inside.
Place infested items in the freezer for a week to kill pantry moth larvae and eggs. Place all new food items into glass or plastic containers in case lingering moths exist. Pheromone traps may be used to monitor the population and capture male moths. Plain yellow sticky traps may also be helpful.
Clear Out Food Storage: empty out everything from cupboards and closets containing dried foods throughout the kitchen. Carefully Examine Food: Look through all open packaged food for signs of moths or larva. If any infested food is found, ensure it is collected and taken out of the home completely.
Wash pantry shelves with hot soapy water as well as any containers, both inside and out. Wipe down each shelf, wall, and door with a 1:1 warm water and white vinegar solution to help further eliminate any eggs. This also acts as a preventative for future infestations.
It takes about 4 to 6 weeks to completely eliminate a pantry moth infestation. Because their lifecycle includes eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults, you have to wait out the maturation of any lingering pests. Even after a deep clean, hidden larvae and pupae will continue to emerge.
Pantry moths strongly dislike the scent of potent essential oils, herbs, and spices, which disrupt their ability to find food and nesting sites.
Pantry Moths may be most active in spring and summer, but modern living conditions mean they remain a risk well into the cooler months. With sealed storage, clean cupboards, and effective monitoring, you can protect your kitchen and keep seasonal food supplies safe.
No, pantry moths cannot survive in the fridge. In fact, cold storage is one of the best ways to kill them.
In addition, consider transferring your grains and other dry food products in mason jars, tins, or other tight-sealing containers.
Marble and quartz are beautiful, upscale finishes that do well with gentle cleaners, not baking soda. Accidentally use the household item on your marble or quartz countertops, and you may damage the upper protective layer of the surface, which will eventually leave lasting scratches.
While Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a popular natural pest control and supplement, it has major drawbacks. Inhaling it causes severe lung irritation, and it can dry out skin. It also kills beneficial insects indiscriminately, loses its effectiveness when wet, and is completely useless against hard-bodied pests.
They often come in through doors and windows or openings around vents or cables that enter the home. The pantry moths' sense of smell is exactly how they find just the right place to settle: in your pantry. Where there is food supply is where they, unfortunately, tend to feel safe.
One of the reasons that they are so hard to permanently eradicate is their life cycle. The first you notice them is likely to be when they are flying around your kitchen. Unfortunately, they'd already set up shop a while ago, planning on a long stay. Pantry moths lay eggs…
To get rid of moths when you cannot find the source, set out pheromone traps to catch active adults and locate their breeding grounds. Then, aggressively vacuum hard-to-reach areas, wash vulnerable fabrics, and inspect hidden spots like old wool rugs, pet food containers, and forgotten pantry items.
Yes, Pantry Moths will infest bedrooms if there are food sources for them to eat. Usually, Pantry Moth infestations begin in kitchen cupboards or pantries and then spread to the rest of the home. However, if you have lots of food items stored in your bedroom, the original infestation source may actually be in there.
How to Control Pantry Moths. First, get the infested flour and any other infested products you might find out of your house. Don't just throw them in the trash unless you plan on taking the trash out right away. You could also dig a hole away from the house and bury the infested product(s) in the soil.
Glass containers are the best choice for a non-toxic, stain-free, and long-lasting pantry. While heavier and pricier, they won't absorb food odors or warp. Plastic containers are lightweight, budget-friendly, and ideal for storing large, bulk quantities on higher shelves.
Pantry moths lay their eggs directly on or very near potential food sources. This includes inside opened food packages, on the surface of stored dry goods, or hidden in the cracks, folds, and seams of packaging.
In nature, pantry moths go into a dormant, hibernation-like state called diapause during the winter. However, because they live in artificially heated homes, their life cycles can continue year-round. The cold weather simply slows down their development, meaning hidden eggs and larvae can still quietly thrive in your pantry.
Several indoor pests are commonly mistaken for pantry moths due to their similar size, color, and tendency to flutter around the house. The most common lookalikes include:
No. Pantry moth larvae feed on dry food products—not fabric. If you're finding holes in sweaters or rugs, you are likely dealing with clothes moth larvae, not pantry moths. Pantry moths are about ½ inch long with two-toned wings—light near the body and reddish-brown at the tips.
An exposure of 2 to 3 days to temperatures of 5°F or lower kills the susceptible stages (larvae and adults), but eggs require longer to kill (3-4 weeks). An alternative is to freeze the food for a week, remove it from the freezer for a few days, and then refreeze it for another week.
Actions to reduce moth larvae:
Empty vacuum contents outside; double-bag and seal before disposal. Wash or dry-clean all fabrics in affected areas. Clean wardrobes, cupboards, drawers, and storage boxes (pay attention to cracks/joints). Improve ventilation—moths thrive in warm, still environments.
👉 In Matthew 6:19-21, He says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.