Food moths are a real nuisance and it’s hard to get rid of them without resorting to chemicals. Fortunately, there are natural and economic solutions available to everyone. Find out how to get rid of food moths with simple and natural tips.
A food moth – Source: spm
To find out, one of the most important things to do is look for the darkest places in your home. It is these spaces that attract moths to build and develop their eggs comfortably and safely.
Mites prefer cereal-based products (flour, cereals, pasta, baking mixes, cookies), seeds, nuts, hazelnuts, dried fruits, but also sweets. However, the larvae hide in the rims of cans, spice jars, or even unopened packages and sealed jars. Also remember to check the food of the animals!
Also read: Put this in the kitchen: after an hour you won’t see a fly flying.
Can you eat moth infested rice?
No study proves its harmfulness to health. However, this does not mean that we can eat food infested with moths.
There are ways to prevent rice moths from infesting your food and pantry, but you should be vigilant in transferring all dry food to airtight containers before storing in the pantry.
What to do against moths? Tips to get rid of this problem naturally
Food moths (or food butterflies) quickly become a pest in the kitchen, also because getting rid of them is not really easy. Whether it’s using an insecticide or doing a major cleanup, in most cases it takes a lot of time and a lot of patience.
However, keep in mind that there are also several more traditional techniques that are less harmful to health and the environment that can be used successfully against these parasites.
Empty your entire pantry
Get all the products out of your pantry or cupboard. Remove shelves, if possible, including support pegs, drawers, all food containers and wrappers, shelf liners, etc. Try to empty all the space!
Disinfect kitchen cabinets.
First, deep clean all the kitchen cabinets. Discard all products where moths have nested. Also, wash shelves and cabinets with vinegar water and your favorite essential oil (this is optional). It’s also a good idea to quickly sanitize cabinets.
Mix hot water and white vinegar in a spray bottle (1/3 vinegar, 2/3 water). Then close the container and wait for the solution to cool down.
It is also important to properly store food products. Store all bulk products (flour, oats, nuts) in glass containers. Do not leave them in paper or plastic bags.
Place scented repellents
Food moths do not like certain odors that are strong. Therefore, it is worth using it wisely. Put in cabinets:
- The dried peels of oranges, citrus fruits, tangerines.
- An orange with cloves inside.
- Chili pepper or bay leaves.
- Cottons soaked in vanilla aroma.
There is a very effective clove-based solution. Pour two tablespoons of cloves into boiling water.
Place a cup of this mixture in the kitchen cupboard. Then wait for the water to cool completely and remove the cup. The smell of cloves will scare away pests!
Using extreme temperatures to get rid of moths
Moths and their eggs are easily destroyed by freezing. Place infested produce in a plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing the bag. After 4 days, the cold from the freezer will kill all the eggs, larvae, and pupae.
Keep moths away with essential oils: an effective remedy against all problems
Essential oils, generally well known for their beneficial properties in various fields, are excellent allies in defeating the invasion of food moths. Therefore, we invite you to mix a few drops with fresh water and pour the liquid into a spray bottle. In most stores you will find aromas capable of satisfying all olfactory tastes: from eucalyptus or even mint to lemongrass.
How to get rid of food moths with garlic?
Garlic – Source: spm
Garlic (which can also be easily grown on the balcony) also repels food moths. Therefore, it will be enough to place a few cloves of garlic in your cupboards or kitchen cupboards to permanently and naturally get rid of these little butterflies that come out every time you put your hand in your food reserves.
Whichever method we choose, prevention is the most effective solution.
Also read: Experienced housewives put foil at the entrance to the house to get rid of a serious problem
Do not forget that prevention is also the installation of a mosquito net on the window, which will prevent insects from the neighbors from entering. Food moths can also find their way through vents. These places can be protected with a fine mesh, obviously taking into account the circulation of air.
How to get rid of flying moths with lemongrass?
Chop up fresh lemongrass leaves, place them in mesh bags, and place them around cabinets and drawers. In addition to leaving a pleasant smell in your cabinets, moths and other insects will no longer come near this place. Remember to replace the envelopes every month.
Also read: The secret to ending once and for all with the silver fish that appear due to humidity at home
