Moths are, arguably, about the most gentle-looking creatures on earth. At a little over half an inch from wing tip to wing tip, Indian meal moths, also called pantry moths, are hardly menacing in appearance. Pantry moths may seem unassuming, but their larvae infest stored food products, and given that each female can lay up to 400 eggs after mating, even one of these moths in your kitchen is one too many.
How Do Indian Meal Moths Get Into Homes?
One of the biggest issues with Indian meal moths is the many ways an infestation can start. These pests get into homes at all stages of their lifecycle and once they’ve made it inside, they can be extremely difficult to eliminate. Eggs and larvae can make their way in on infested food from the store. They like to feed on dried fruits, grains, seeds, nuts, candy, and even birdseed and pet food. Adult moths are attracted to lights and often make their way inside through openings for dryer vents or plumbing lines, gaps around windows and doors, or through torn or ill-fitting screens.
What Are The Best Ways To Prevent Indian Meal Moth Infestations?
To prevent Indian meal moths from infesting your pantry, it is important to take some precautions to ensure a population does not have a chance to develop or grow. These steps include smart shopping, proper storage and cleaning, and sealing entry points.
To prevent Indian meal moths in your home take the following precautions:
While you are still at the store, inspect boxes or bags for any damage before buying them and bringing them home.
Remove foods from their original packaging and store them in plastic or glass containers with airtight lids.
Rotate food stores and make sure to take note of expiration dates.
Regularly clear out cupboards and do a deep clean.
Take care of any crumbs or spills right away and keep trash cans covered with tight-fitting lids.
If you find Indian meal moths or their larvae or eggs, make sure to dispose of infested foods in outdoor trash cans and clean the area thoroughly with a vacuum, soap, and water.
Check for access points around your home. Seal cracks and crevices in the exterior, replace or repair screens as needed, and install door sweeps on exterior doors.
Change your lights to yellow or sodium vapor lights which are less attractive to these pests.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Even though Indian meal moths do not look super threatening, it is far better to prevent them than to try to eliminate them from your home.
How Can Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators Help?
An infestation of Indian meal moths may not seem like the most threatening thing on the horizon, but having your entire pantry contaminated can be an expensive and unsettling experience. Avoiding an infestation is always the best outcome, but if Indian meal moths or other pantry pests have made their way into your home, Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators can help. We offer a variety of services designed to eliminate pests and keep them from coming back. Call today to find out more about the comprehensive protection included in our home pest control services or to schedule your free, no-obligation inspection.