Health

Foods that attract moths to your home

2023-11-07 07:00:43

Did you know that oats, rice and flour are some of the foods that attract moths? How to eliminate these insects? etc…

Last update : November 07, 2023

In our kitchen we may have foods that attract moths. These small, mostly nocturnal insects are known to contaminate cupboards, becoming considered a pest in homes and food establishments. In addition to stored food, they also infest wooden furniture and textiles.

But that’s not the only problem. Indeed, moths might cause allergic problems. In which foods do they appear most frequently? How to eliminate and prevent them?

Foods that most attract moths

We use the word moths as a general term for a diverse group of insects belonging to the order Lepidoptera. Their size may vary. They can be as small as the head of a pin or as large as an adult’s hand. Some even have different colors and wing patterns.

In certain foods, they find a favorable environment to lay their eggs. We present to you a detailed list that includes cereals, flours and even fruits.

1. Riz

If you store these grains in non-airtight containers and in a place where temperatures are high, rice moth, known as Corcyra cephalonica is likely to recur. It is a starch-loving pest. To take care of this food, store it in glass jars.

2. Oats

It is one of the foods that generally contains the most moths. They can enter the packaging during the production process, storage or transport of cereals.

In this sense, it is wise to always check the inside of the sachet (whether it is flakes or flour) before consuming it. After opening, place the oatmeal in airtight containers.

3. Flours

Flour moths are small insects that are very common in the food industry. They are recognizable by the colorful patterns on their wings.

They belong to the genre Plodia and the most common species is Plodia interpunctella. Also known as Indian flour moth. It can pierce paper, cardboard and plastic packaging and you can even see them floating in the air.

4. Dried and dehydrated fruits

These insects find a favorable place in dried and dehydrated fruits. Not only in those that follow an industrial process for their marketing. But also in natural fruits dried on the plant, such as dates.

The Plodia interpunctella, which we have already mentioned and which in some geographical areas is known as the dried fruit moth, is considered a crop pest. If it manages to survive the fruit harvest, it might reach supermarkets and your home.

Be careful regarding how you store raisins, dates, prunes and dried figs. If you prefer to put them in containers, make sure they are glass.

Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and sunflowers are part of the moths’ favorite menu. You will notice their presence in the holes they make in these foods.

6. Sucre

Moths are not fans of table sugar. But a certain species is a pest of sugarcane crops. Its scientific name is Anacentrin saccharides. Although this is rare, it might affect the packaging you buy and which has been packaged in an artisanal way.

7. Pasta, a food that most attracts moths

Pasta is one of the foods that most attracts moths. They enjoy it any season of the year.

To avoid any infestation, it is best to store dried pasta in airtight containers. After cooking, if you have any leftovers, you should of course keep the leftovers in the refrigerator.

8. Corn

This food is attacked by a small yellow and gray insect, six to nine centimeters long, called Sitrotoga cerealella. It lays its eggs in the grains. To avoid contamination, it is recommended to place the corn in glass containers and then store it in cool places.

9. Chocolat

Ephestia elutella is the cocoa moth. This insect does not only attack chocolate. But can also be found in nuts and even tobacco.

When they leave their eggs and the larvae appear, the secreted substances cause the food to group together and stick together. If there is cocoa powder in our cupboard for example, we will see that there is solidification and the formation of hardened pieces.

What should we do if we find moths in food?

Moths do not transmit diseases to humans. However, some sensitive people may experience allergies or irritation.

This is why it is crucial to know how to act when you find them in your environment:

Throw away infested food. Eliminate any contaminated sources by disposing of the products in a sealed trash bag.
Clean and disinfect. Use warm water and soap to scrub surfaces, then apply a disinfectant to cabinets and pantries.
Inspect other foods. If there were moths in a food item, we suggest checking the rest to ensure its hygiene, paying particular attention to dry products.
Good storage. Because moths can tear paper or plastic bags, it is best to use glass, metal, or hard plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
Pest control. If the contamination persists or is recurring, consider calling in a professional to assess the situation and take additional measures.

What natural remedies can be placed in the pantry to prevent moths?

It is true that moths can be a nuisance in the home. However, there are natural remedies with which you can fight or scare them away. And which do not pose a danger to food or to those who live in the house, including certain pets.

Use cedar oil to repel them.
With a vacuum cleaner, clean the areas where you think their larvae are.
Place citrus peels or bay leaves on kitchen cabinets.
Use the cloves in small fabric bags then place them in strategic locations in the cabinets.

Finally, it is strongly advised to keep the kitchen clean and store foods that attract moths in clean containers, which should be kept away from humid places or high temperatures.

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Foods that attract moths to your home