How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths and Banish Them For Good

The sight of moths in your pantry is enough to make your skin crawl, but when they lay eggs in your flour, things can get downright disturbing. What’s worse? They just keep multiplying. 

If you’re in the midst of a pantry moth invasion, the good news is you can (and will) get to the other side of it. Here’s how to put an end to pantry moths once and for all.

What Are Pantry Moths?

The pantry moth, aka the Indian meal moth, is a common winged pest with an affinity for grains, dried fruit, cereal, nuts, and other dry goods you might store in your pantry. Moths munch, lounge, and lay eggs in these food items and even the cardboard that contains them. Females can lay hundreds of eggs at a time, so once they’re in, it doesn’t take long for a total takeover. 

Where Do Pantry Moths and Larvae Come From?

It might seem like they spawned out of nowhere, but chances are, your pantry moths hitched a ride on something you brought home. It could have been bulk grains from the grocery store, a fruit-and-nut gift basket from well-meaning relatives, or even your pet’s food. Here are their favorite foods to infest:

• Flours of all kinds

• Dried fruits

• Nuts

• Grains

• Dry beans

• Pasta

• Cocoa powder

• Baking mixes

• Seeds (including birdseed)

• Dry dog/cat food

• Tea

• Herbs/spices

Once the moth eggs hatch, tiny maggot-like larvae spend several weeks feeding and growing until they spin a cocoon, later emerging as an adult moth. Given how quickly they reproduce, these pantry pests can get out of hand fast—the sooner the problem gets dealt with, the better. 

How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths

Getting rid of pantry moths involves cleaning out your entire pantry, throwing out open items and packaging, and placing the remainder of your dry goods in airtight containers. Here are the steps to follow to remove the moths for good.  

1. Find the Source of the Pantry Moths.

First things first—empty out your pantry and carefully inspect all items that could be housing the moths. Toss infested or suspect items in a sealed trash bag and take it out immediately.

2. Toss Out Open Packages

Next, grab any open food packages and toss them out. Squeeze sealed bags to ensure they’re still airtight. If not, then throw them in the trash outside. 

3. Remove All Cardboard

Cardboard packaging can conceal additional moth eggs and larvae, plus it’s another thing they like to snack on. To be safe, remove and discard (or recycle where possible) all cardboard boxes and packaging. Again, take it outside immediately to avoid any new spawns.

4. Vacuum the Area

Vacuum the area using the hose attachment to reach every nook and cranny. If possible, soak your vacuum’s removable waste container in hot water with a splash of bleach (1 tablespoon for every gallon of water) to kill any eggs or larvae it might have picked up. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection like goggles when dealing with any bleach solutions, and don’t mix it with any other cleaners.

5. Thoroughly Clean the Entire Pantry With Vinegar

Grab a scrub brush and bucket filled with a 1:1 solution of vinegar and hot water and go to town on every crack, crevice, and surface in the pantry. The acidity of the vinegar will kill off eggs and larvae. 

6. Seal Away Leftover Dry Goods

Moths can chew through cardboard, plastic, and other soft-sided materials, so you should put any remaining dry goods in mason jars or other airtight containers. That way, if there are any living eggs or larvae, they’ll stay quarantined, and you can just toss them out.

7. Examine the Area for Pantry Moth Eggs and Larvae

Even after you’ve purged the affected dry goods, there’s still a chance that pantry moth larvae thwarted your efforts. Grab a flashlight and examine the surrounding area, looking for silky webs, cocoons, and tiny maggot-like caterpillars. Keep an eye out for these signs in the coming weeks to ensure the moths aren’t coming back.

8. Consider Using Pantry Moth Traps

If you suspect you have a widespread problem, or if you just want extra peace of mind, consider hanging sticky pantry moth traps around your pantry and kitchen. These contain pheromones to attract the moths and a sticky surface to trap them. If your traps stay empty, then you know you’ve eradicated the problem.

Preventing Pantry Moths and Larvae

• Keep all dry goods in sealed, airtight containers (including those purchased in sealed plastic bags).

• Dab some peppermint essential oil around the pantry or place several soaked cotton pads around (pantry moths hate the smell of peppermint).

• Carefully examine dry goods at the grocery store and ensure they’re airtight before bringing them home.

DIY vs. Hire a Pro 

If your pantry problem has gotten out of hand, a professional moth extermination costs an average of $150, with a typical range of between $90 and $370. Get in touch with a local exterminator to help ensure the moths are gone for good.

Additional Questions

Are pantry moths poisonous?

If you accidentally consume moth eggs or larvae, the good news is they’re not poisonous, and they don’t carry any diseases or bacteria. It’s a repulsive thought, but that’s the extent of the damage (though we obviously wouldn’t make it a habit).

Are pantry moths the same as clothes moths?

Pantry moths are different from the moths that snack on your sweaters. Unlike pantry moths who travel in search of food, clothes moths will stay wherever there are tasty materials to eat.   Storing clothing properly can prevent musty smells and moth munching.

Are pantry moths attracted to light?

Yes, pantry moths love lamps just as much as other moths. They fly mostly at night and are attracted to bright lights. If you’re using sticky traps, placing them near a light source is not a bad idea.

What kills pantry moths? 

Vinegar is an effective killer of moths, eggs, and larvae. You can also freeze dry food items for a minimum of 48 hours. Do not use any spray poisons, as these can contaminate your food and aren’t likely to be effective.