How to get rid of a moth infestation in your kitchen: Tips that really work
Those who have suffered a moth infestation in the kitchen know how annoying it can be. Suddenly, our pantry is infested and these insects appear inside or fluttering among many of our foods. If it hasn't happened to you yet but you fear it might, don't worry. In this article we offer you the best tips and tricks both to eradicate them and to prevent their appearance.
Moths are insects of the butterfly family and, although they are harmless to humans, they are quite annoying when they invade our kitchens. In addition to ruining the food in the cupboard, they reproduce rapidly, infesting the spaces in which they are found.
Once they have entered the house, they search for food and attack stored food, creating pests that are quite unpleasant and annoying. The species we usually find in our kitchens is Plodia interpunctella, popularly known as the flour moth, fruit moth or Indian moth. Infestation is more likely when temperatures rise, as these insects proliferate more rapidly in warm environments, especially in closed spaces such as cupboards, and are attracted by food packages, even if they are closed.
How to prevent a moth infestation in your kitchen?
Follow these tips and precautions to prevent these insects from getting in and taking up residence in your kitchen:
- Throw out forgotten food. If there are products in your pantry that have not been used for a long time, don't think about it and throw them away. If you haven't used them already, you probably won't use them in the near future either. Moth larvae can take advantage of that oversight and take up residence in that long-forgotten jar in the corner of your cupboard.
- Store flour and cereal in airtight containers. Moths love these products. To scare them away, you can add a bay leaf to the jars, as they find the smell repellent.
- When it comes to cooking, prioritize the use of the oldest ingredients in order to give them an outlet. Use the products that have been stored the longest first to prevent them from deteriorating.
- Eliminate expired products. Regularly check the cupboard and get rid of food that has already expired. Yes, spices too.
- Clean out your pantry periodically. From time to time, take everything out of the cupboard and clean it thoroughly with soapy water. Then wipe down with a cloth soaked in a mixture of water and vinegar, wiping down the shelves as well as the containers and jars.
How to eliminate a moth infestation?
If moths have already infested your kitchen, act immediately! They reproduce quickly, and it is best to prevent the problem from growing. Follow these recommendations to eliminate them:
- Thoroughly check all foods. Take everything out of the pantry and examine every package. Moths love hidden nooks and crannies, so be thorough. Discard infested products. If you're in doubt about an open package, it's best to throw it away, especially if it's flour, rice, cereal, crackers, bread, legumes or chocolate.
- Take out the garbage immediately. Infested food should be disposed of promptly to prevent moths from spreading.
- Thoroughly clean the pantry. Wash everything: the cabinet where the infested food was, jars, containers and jars. Use hot water and soap, or put them in the dishwasher if you have one. Then, wipe them down with a mixture of cleaning vinegar and water to disinfect.
- Create a natural repellent. Place a cardboard or plastic container or box with holes in the lid in the cupboard. Inside, put some bay leaves and some absorbent cotton soaked in lavender essential oil. This scent repels moths.
- Do a deep cleaning of the whole kitchen. Do not limit yourself only to the pantry: clean also the furniture, walls, tiles, crevices, countertops, floors and appliances to remove any possible traces of larvae.
- Use specific insecticides for moths. If you decide to use insecticides, follow the manufacturer's instructions and be sure not to apply them on surfaces that are in contact with food.
What about you?
Do you know any other home remedy to avoid or eradicate moths in the kitchen? Leave us a comment sharing your experience and tips :)
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