2024-03-14 07:00:10
Traps, cleanliness and cold are the enemies of these annoying food insects. Learn how to eradicate them and store them properly so they don’t appear again.
Last update : 14 mars, 2024
If you discover small black grains or cobwebs in flour, cereals and nuts, it is likely that you are facing an infestation of food moths. Although these insects do not bite or sting, their larvae wreak havoc on stored food.
In this article we explain how to identify and eliminate them. Also discover some tips to know comment store your crushed food and maintain hygiene so that you are no longer invaded by moths.
What are food moths and how to identify them?
Their scientific name is Plodia interpunctella, but they are called “Indian meal moth” or pantry moth, because of their preference for grains. This is a different specimen of clothing, identifiable by its copper, cinnamon brown and white colors. In addition to its larger size.
Adults, whose tone is grayish, reach a wingspan of 12 millimeters. But if they spread their wings, they can measure between 16 and 20 mm. Likewise, they present a black stripe that separates the outer wing from the inner wing, while the head and thorax are also brownish.
As their name suggests, These butterflies prowl around areas where food is found like kitchens, pantries, and warehouses. In addition, they are attracted to light, heat and certain foods such as:
PastaGrainFlourCerealSpicesBreadDried fruitBaking mixes
Life cycle
Although they can be annoying and unpleasant, these insects are not dangerous or harmful. On the other hand, Moth larvae are responsible for infecting food. Because when they hatch from the eggs, they move to pupate and pierce the paper, cardboard and plastic packaging.
During its reproductive cycle, this butterfly can lay between 200 and 400 eggs, which hatch in about a week. They then feed on food for almost a month. Until they grow and move, leaving trails of silk and small droppings similar to peppercorns.
They seek out nooks and crannies where they are protected and can emerge one to two weeks later, among food already consumed.
How to get rid of food moths?
If you have identified a few remains of larvae in food or encountered several specimens in flight, apply these methods to eliminate moths in the kitchen.
Check food then freeze it
Food processing is essential to both the prevention and elimination of food moths. If you suspect an infestation, check all foods where these insects usually live. Look for larvae, silk trails and adult moths in cereals, breads, nuts and any type of powdered product.
Dry pet food is also another food source. They can be inside or attached to the outside.
It’s best to throw away contaminated food, but if the infestation isn’t very bad, you can freeze it for two to three days to disinfect it. You can also cook suitable foods in the oven and thus eliminate the infestation by heat.
Place food moth traps
There are sticky traps specially designed to capture this type of moths. They generally contain pheromones that attract the male insect, with a system similar to fly traps.
Place them one and a half meters from the ground, near food or cupboards and especially during the hot months. Because this is when their reproductive cycle begins.
Ventilate the house
As noted, food moths slow their development in environments below 10 degrees. It is therefore advisable to ventilate the pantry. In addition, it is important to ventilate the products where you suspect an infestation, to avoid accumulating heat and humidity.
Use natural repellents
Just as they are attracted to certain smells, others scare them away. Therefore, it is possible to try natural solutions, such as a preparation based on mint, lemon verbena, lavender and basil.
The aroma of these plants does not please moths. You can enhance their effect by hanging small bags near the pantries and incorporating cloves and eucalyptus into the preparation.
Vacuum the warehouse and corners
Ventilation to reduce humidity should be supplemented by dusting of pantries and cupboards. Loose food scraps, cereals and small grains attract these insects. So you need to make sure to disinfect the area.
This includes recesses between columns and rows, as well as rear parts. Food moths usually rest on moldings, ceilings and wallscorners which should also be vacuumed.
Improve storage
Proper food storage is essential to prevent and eliminate infestations. Store grains and cereals in airtight containersin glass if possible.
This way, if there are eggs in the food, the insects will not be able to escape the pot when they hatch. This action is indicated when purchasing new products. In fact, moths can arrive from the supermarket itself.
For its part, the organization of consumption is another important aspect. To prevent food from accumulating for too long, it is recommended to eat it in the order in which it was purchased.
Spray with commercial aerosols
In addition to vacuuming pantries and corners, it is advisable to purchase a biodegradable repellent spray. It can be used safely near food storage areas. Like traps, you can find these products at cleaning stores or in big box stores.
How to prevent and prevent food moth infestation?
In addition to eliminating eggs, larvae and adult specimens, it is necessary to take some additional precautions to prevent their return. Moth eradication depends on three central actions: prevention, surveillance and control.
Carry out sporadic food inspection for larvae or traces of them. Store cereals, nuts and flours favored by moths in screw-top containers. Maintain constant cleanliness and order in cupboards, as well as in any place where food is stored. If there are any spills or sticky stains, clean them as soon as possible. They are another excellent insect attractant. Perform thorough sanitation every month. Which involves throwing away old food and disinfecting furniture.
Food moths: should you throw away food?
If you have identified small droppings, tissues or moth larvae, it is best to throw away infested foods. Even though they don’t pose serious health risks, no one likes eating insects.
Finally, it is important to act quickly with the tips we have given you to eliminate them. Otherwise, the parasite will continue to spread. In cases where it cannot be eradicated with home solutions, we suggest contacting professional fumigators.
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