How to get rid of pantry moths

The complete guide

Pantry moth

Difficulty High

Frequency High

Reproductive rate Up to 400x

Lifecycle Up to 4 months

Pantry moths are small flying pests whose larvae feed on dry food products such as grains, cereals, flour, and pet food. They contaminate food with their eggs, larvae, and silky threads, which can make it unfit for consumption.

Dried foods

Grains

Cereals

Flours

Identifying pantry moths

Pantry moth infestations become noticeable when small moths are seen inside or around pantries and other dry food storage areas. The larvae, although discreet, are visible to the naked eye. They secrete silky threads and spin silk cocoons.

Early infestation

Presence of a few moths near the pantry

Advanced infestation

Presence of many moths near the pantry
Silky threads or cocoons near the food
Larvae visible in the food

You will need :

Cloth
Dish soap
Vacuum cleaner

Natural predators :

Trichogrammas

How to treat pantry moths?

The most effective and safe strategy is to carry out thorough cleaning to reduce the moth population, restrict access to food, and introduce trichogrammas that parasitize the eggs and prevent the larvae from hatching.

1

Sort the food items

Remove all food from the pantry. Discard any infested items and freeze or heat treat those at risk. Also clean or discard packaging that may harbor eggs.

2

Vacuum thoroughly

Vacuum the pantry carefully, paying special attention to under shelves, hinges, screw holes, and other hiding spots for larvae. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately.

3

Clean with soap

Clean the pantry with hot water and dish soap, focusing again on potential hiding spots.

4

Complete drying

Keep the door open and ensure good air circulation until completely dry. Allow an entire night before returning cleaned food items.

5

Trichogrammas

Install trichogramma cards to cover the entire surface of the house. Replace them weekly for at least eight weeks.

A few important points

Trichogrammas are particularly effective when the pantry moth population is reduced. The more thorough the initial cleaning, the higher the chances of success.
Since trichogrammas target only the eggs, treatment must be carried out over a period of at least eight weeks to cover several successive generations.
Using airtight containers to store dry food is essential to prevent reinfestation.

Once the treatment is complete

Inspect the pantry regularly. If a few adults continue to emerge while the overall situation improves, continue introducing trichogrammas. If the infestation seems to return, either the initial cleaning was insufficient or secondary sources of infestation are present.

How can I eliminate food moths using heat?

To eliminate all stages of development, including eggs, keep the food at least at 60°C for 30 minutes. Higher temperatures reduce the required time, while lower temperatures increase it.

How can I eliminate food moths using cold?

To eliminate all stages of development, including eggs, keep the food below -18°C for 5 days. Extend the exposure for denser foods so that their center is sufficiently exposed.

Do I need to repeat cleaning before each introduction?

Cleaning is always necessary before the first introduction. If the initial infestation was severe or many insects are still visible at the time of subsequent introductions, it is preferable to carry out another pre-introduction cleaning. Conversely, it is no longer necessary once the infestation appears to be under control.