How to banish pantry moths: Simple vinegar solution helps

Pantry moths can be found in grains, flour, rice, and pasta. They are unwelcome guests in our kitchen. Fortunately, there's an effective and simple way to get rid of them.

Pantry moths are tiny insects that can be a real nuisance. These tiny pests quickly settle in our homes, particularly where we store food. They appear in dry products such as groats, rice, flour, or pasta.

We often bring them home with our groceries. Contaminated moth eggs can be present in the packaging of dry food products from the production or packaging stage, and once overlooked, they end up on the shelves of our kitchen cabinets.

Female moths are highly fertile and can lay up to 400 eggs in their lifetime. Their population grows very quickly.

How can you tell that they have settled in your kitchen? Household moths leave secretions, droppings, and egg remnants in products.

Vinegar is one of the most effective natural remedies in the fight against pantry moths. Pantry moths despise vinegar and will not lay eggs in such places.

To prepare a solution for cleaning cabinets, simply mix vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio. Then, using a clean cloth, thoroughly wipe all cabinets and shelves, paying particular attention to nooks and crannies where moths might hide.

You can use vinegar as a trap to get rid of flying moths. Simply pour vinegar—both distilled and apple vinegar work equally well—into a shot glass or small container and place it in the kitchen cabinet. Remember to check and empty the traps regularly.

The key, however, is to clean the kitchen cabinets and their contents thoroughly. Products stored in their original packaging should be transferred to airtight containers made of hard plastic or glass, which makes it more difficult for moths to access the food. Regular cleaning and reviewing supplies is essential in preventing these unwelcome guests from reappearing.