Moth invasion: Protect your pantry and closet now
Moths can invade our kitchens and destroy food supplies. Although often invisible, their presence can lead to significant losses. Learn where they most commonly lay their eggs and how to eliminate them effectively.
In kitchens, moths can attack even tightly sealed products, and their larvae easily penetrate paper and plastic packaging. This issue also affects clothing moths, which can quietly nest in forgotten drawers and closets.
Favorite hideouts of moths
Food moths don't choose locations randomly. They seek out dark, warm, and quiet spots where they can reproduce safely. Their eggs often appear in dry, bulk products such as rice, grains, flour, cereal, or nuts. Sometimes, a package that’s not adequately closed or is damaged allows larvae to get inside easily.
Moreover, moths can also nest in the corners of kitchen cabinets. Jars and containers are at risk if they do not have tight seals. Meanwhile, clothing moths prefer places we rarely check, like linen closets, boxes with seasonal clothes, or forgotten dressers. They also thrive near open windows without screens, especially in warmer months.
What to do when they appear?
Before you notice an adult moth, they leaves subtle yet alarming traces. In kitchen cabinets, you might find thin cobwebs, larval remains, or even an unpleasant, musty smell. Food products may be glued together with mucus produced by the insects—a clear sign they should be discarded.
That's why it's important to take comprehensive action. Pheromone traps are helpful—they effectively lure adult moths, which can then be removed and destroyed. After using them, it's necessary to thoroughly clean the cabinets, preferably with vinegar, which acts not only as a cleaner but also as a deterrent. Additionally, it's worth using natural scents that moths dislike, such as lavender or cloves.
