Where do Indian meal moths come from?

Indian meal moths can be found in a wide range of climates and live in stored food products, including grains, seeds, dried fruit, pet food and spices. Infestations often start in dry pet food and bird seed.

What attracts Indian meal moths?

Adult Indianmeal moths are chiefly night flyers, becoming most active at dusk. They are attracted to light, and can be attracted to TV’s. During the day, Indianmeal moths prefer to rest on walls, ceilings, boxes, and in poorly lighted areas.

How do moths get into sealed food?

Throw out infested products and put everything else into sealed plastic containers. Despite common belief, these pests can’t chew through plastic, but they can get in through extremely small holes – or they have been inside all along. Pantry moth larvae can chew through plastic and Ziploc bags to access food.

What kills Indian meal moths?

Both freezing and heating will kill Indian meal moth larvae. Effective freezing methods include keeping the contaminated item for four to seven days in the freezer.

Is Indian meal moth dangerous?

Indian meal moths, saw-toothed grain beetles, and cigarette beetles are not in themselves dangerous. The biggest threat they pose is an infestation and spoiling food – creating waste and increased living costs to the homeowner. If the insects themselves or their eggs are ingested, don’t panic.

How do I permanently get rid of pantry moths?

How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths

1. STEP 1: Empty the pantry and inspect its contents. Empty out the affected area—completely.
2. STEP 2: Dispose of non-airtight containers.
3. STEP 3: Vacuum the area, then clean with a vinegar-and-water solution.
4. STEP 4: Don’t re-stock the pantry right way!

What spray kills pantry moths?

Phantom Aerosol, Microcare Aerosol or Alpine PT Aerosol may be used as a crack and crevice treatment in the corners, and cracks and crevices of the pantry and cupboards to kill the adult moths and prevent further infestations.

How big are Indian meal moths?

Adult Indian meal moths are about 3/8 of an inch long and have a wingspan of about 5/8 of an inch. They have an elongated oval shaped body, their wings are gray in color except for the rear half which are a distinctive rusty bronze color.

Where do Indian meal moths hide?

The larvae of the Indian Meal Moth has the power to bite through plastic and cupboards, which means that these pests could be secretly hiding in your cupboards waiting to emerge this spring.

Do Indian meal moths eat sugar?

Indian meal moths can infest a wide variety of different stored and dried goods. They could feed on cereal, pasta, bread, pet food, nuts, seeds, flour, dried fruit, sugar, or even spices.

How long can pantry moths live without food?

Life Cycle of the Pantry Moth The average is 4-7 weeks. Usually, the first noticed is the adult, which will only live 1 or 2 weeks without feeding. During this time, the female may lay up to 650 eggs at a time directly on the food source that will be used by the larvae.

What do pantry moths hate?

Wipe shelves, food containers, and other surfaces with white vinegar. For added protection, use a few drops of essential oil like peppermint, citronella, eucalyptus, or tea tree. To prevent infestation, store foods in airtight glass, metal, or plastic containers. Bay leaves repel pantry insects.

Can pantry moths get into Ziploc bags?

Transfer bulk items from plastic bags to sturdy glass or plastic containers. Pantry moth larvae can chew through plastic and Ziploc bags to access food.

What kills moths instantly?

Use hot water and high heat in the dryer, if possible. For clothes that can’t be washed or dried hot, put wet clothes in the freezer for a day to kill larvae and eggs. Use vinegar to help. Wash and scrub any areas you found larvae or eggs with a vinegar and water solution.