How to Keep Pantry Moths Out of Your Home

Bugs are an inevitable part of life, but few are as frustrating as pantry moths. After all, finding insects in your food is undeniably unpleasant, and it’s even worse when they have wings. As disturbing as pantry moths can be, however, they can be eradicated—and prevented before they even show up. The more you know and understand about these pests, the better job you can do at keeping them out of your house. Here’s what the experts say about pantry moths and how to prevent them.

What Are Pantry Moths?

Pantry moths, also known as stored product pests, belong to the order Lepidoptera, says PestMaster’s entomologist, Mariah Baggio-Deibler, also known as “Dr. Bugs.” “These insects commonly infest whole and processed grains, causing damage to food stored in kitchens and pantries,” she says.

The most common species of the pantry month is the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella). Baggio-Deibler says these pests feed on a variety of food items, including grains, flours, dried fruits, seeds, graham crackers, nuts, powdered milk, chocolate, candy, dried red peppers, bird seed, and pet food. So, if you have any of these items in your pantry, you could be at risk for an infestation. 

The Easiest Way to Prevent Pantry Moths

According to Baggio-Deibler, unsealed packages are one of the biggest reasons why pantry month infestations occur. This can mean everything from that half-full bag of chips to the almost-finished box of pasta and that leftover sleeve of crackers. Because it’s almost impossible to seal up those packages, it’s best to either move your leftovers to an airtight container or put them in zipper bags.

Jerry Wang, owner of DIY Pest Warehouse, tells me that when storing food around the kitchen, using a container made from thick plastic or glass is ideal. “Oftentimes, the packaging from the grocery store is too thin, and a pantry moth will easily chew right through it when left undisturbed,” he says. “Any container that is thicker than 3 millimeters will keep them out.”

What to Do If You Have Pantry Moths

In an ideal world, you’d prevent pantry moths before they ever settled into your home. But, if you find that they’ve already entered your space, don’t worry, there are several steps you can take to send them packing.

Clean Your Pantry Shelves

If you notice pantry moths, it’s crucial to remove everything from your pantry and declutter expired and almost-finished foods. Then, be sure to remove any crumbs and clean those shelves with a multipurpose cleaner before putting anything back. “Regularly vacuum the pantry, ensuring there is no organic debris left behind,” says Baggio-Deibler. “Be sure to dispose of vacuum bag contents immediately after use to avoid re-infestations from happening.”

Seal Entry Points

If you see a pantry moth or two, you’re probably fine, but if they continue to be a problem, Baggio-Deibler advises installing window screens to prevent moths from flying in from outside, especially if you have windows in your kitchen. “Also, seal cracks and crevices in food storage areas to prevent harborage,” she says.

Freeze or Discard Infested Items

If you suspect an item is infested, Baggio-Deibler suggests freezing it for at least a week or discarding it promptly to prevent further spread. Don’t just leave the discarded food in your kitchen garbage can, though—take it outside. 

Try Installing Traps

Wang suggests installing pheromone-based traps to catch the moths. This can easily and inexpensively solve the problem. “This is one of the most effective and least toxic, chemical-wise, methods to eliminate the problem,” he says.

Consider Hiring Professional Pest Management

Whether it’s pantry moths or another pest you don’t want in your home, if you’re frustrated and nothing is working, it’s best to call in a pro before the problem becomes worse or out of your control. “Consider hiring a professional pest control service like PestMaster for prevention and monitoring solutions, including traps, to effectively track and manage infestations,” says Baggio-Deibler.

Inspect Your Food

Baggio-Deibler recommends regularly inspecting pantry items and newly purchased food before putting anything in your pantry. “Look for signs of pantry moth activity, including larvae, webbing—created by their caterpillars—and adult moths,” she says. 

It’s ideal to do this before you purchase food and bring it home. So, give yourself a few extra minutes at the grocery store and give items a once-over before you put them in your cart. This can prevent more challenging problems in the long run.