How do I get rid of pantry moths forever?

Author: Prof. Eleanore Blick Sr.  |  Last update: Monday, July 7, 2025

How To Get Rid Of Pantry Moths Naturally - 10 Steps To Pantry Moth Control
  1. Step 1 - Regularly check your Pantry. ...
  2. Step 2 - Check all food stored in your Pantry for Moths. ...
  3. Step 3 - Dispose of all Pantry Moth-infested Foods. ...
  4. Step 4 - Clean Your Containers. ...
  5. Step 5 - Clean out your Pantry / Kitchen Cupboards.

How to permanently get rid of pantry moths?

Combine 1 part vinegar with 1 part warm water, and add a few drops of peppermint oil. Wash the entire pantry with the solution. Pantry moths hate peppermint oil, so this will work to repel them in the future. 8. Wash any containers and jars from the pantry in hot, soapy water.

Why do pantry moths keep coming back?

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…

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.

Can pantry moths be exterminated?

Many find it easier and more effective to hire ApolloX Pest Control, the professional pantry moth exterminator. ApolloX Pest Control will also check your home for the presence of other pests. Once the moths are professionally exterminated, it's much easier to maintain a moth-free pantry.

How to GET RID of Pantry Moths FOREVER

What do exterminators use to get rid of moths?

For large scale commercial accounts, fumigation is an effective option. At times, low-volume chemical treatments can also be effective. 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.

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.

What kills 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.

Do moth balls keep pantry moths away?

Will moth balls get rid of pantry moths? Only in your cupboard, Mothballs should not be used around food or food preparation areas – so no.

Do dryer sheets repel moths?

Dryer sheets typically contain chemicals such as linalool, beta-citronellol, and geraniol, which are known to have some insect-repellent properties.

Is there a spray for pantry moths?

PESTXPERT PANTRY MOTH PRODUCTS

Pro-Spray Flying aerosol is great to have on hand to spray any moths seen flying around the house.

Can you starve out pantry moths?

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

What containers keep out pantry moths?

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. Plastic zipper bags can also be used for food storage.

What does vinegar do to pantry moths?

The strong smell of the vinegar attracts the moths, and once they land in the liquid, they will drown and be unable to reproduce.

Do foggers work for pantry moths?

Foggers are more effective against pantry moths, mosquitoes, flies and other flying insects so be sure you do your homework and weigh your options to see if fogging is the best method for your issue. Another drawback is perhaps inconvenience.

What is the most effective moth repellent?

Lavender — Lavender is a widely-loved moth repellent for good reason. Its floral scent is delightful to humans but repulsive to moths. Our 'Protect Me' Scent Bags can be placed in closets and drawers to protect your garments. Plus, they impart a lovely fragrance to all surrounding clothes.

How do professionals get rid of pantry moths?

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.

How long does a pantry moth infestation last?

Life Cycle of the Pantry Moth

The life cycle may be completed in as little as 30 days or as long as 300 days, depending on food availability and temperature. The warmer the temperature, the faster the cycle completes. The average is 4-7 weeks.

What do pantry moths dislike?

Keep Moths Away With Natural Repellents

Moths have a strong sense of smell and avoid odors they dislike, such as lavender, peppermint, and cedar.

Why do I suddenly have pantry moths?

Although pantry moths can enter via doors and windows, most infestations probably start when we inadvertently bring home eggs and caterpillars in our dried foods. Kitchens full of unsealed containers and spilled food create an irresistible smorgasbord for female moths looking for the ideal place to lay eggs.

How do you make homemade pantry moth killer?

To create a fast and easy trap, combine equal parts of vinegar and dish soap in a shallow dish. The enticing scent of vinegar is a powerful attractant, drawing pests in, while the dish soap's thickness becomes a trapping mechanism upon contact.

How do I permanently get rid of moths?

More videos on YouTube
  1. DEEP CLEAN THE AREA - Use soap and water to wipe down surfaces and thoroughly vacuum cracks and crevices.
  2. USE A NATURAL MOTH KILLER - This will safely remove any larvae and eggs that might still be present. ...
  3. STORE CLOTHES CORRECTLY - Ensure you store your clothes in mothproof clothes storage bags.

Are pantry moths the same as Indian meal moths?

The Flour/Pantry/Indian Meal Moth (Plodia interpunctella) is a very common kitchen and pantry pest of a great many sorts of dried foodstuffs, including pet food (dried dog and cat food, hamster and guinea pig food, bird seed, etc.), stored grains, cereals, breads, pasta, rice, flour, cornmeal, spices, dried fruits and ...

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