TikToker's freezer hack: Banish kitchen moths for good
Food moths are troublesome pests that often take up residence in kitchen cabinets. Getting rid of them can be a lengthy and exhausting process. A TikToker shares her method for dealing with them.
7:43 AM EST, December 11, 2024
Food moths are small but incredibly troublesome insects that can destroy food supplies. We often don't realize they're in our homes until we see flying adults. At that point, we can be almost certain that we'll find tiny moth larvae in dry products. However, it's worth knowing that you can effectively prevent them from reproducing and even completely eradicate them.
Where to find food moths?
Fully grown moths reach about 0.4 inches in length and look like small moths. The larvae are very tiny and resemble white threads with a black dot at one end. Depending on environmental conditions, a female moth can lay between 200 and 400 eggs, which begin to hatch after 2 to 14 days. Within a few days, a true invasion of these insects in our kitchen or pantry can occur, which is why quick action is so important.
Removing food moths can be challenging. Larvae can hide in crevices of packaging or corners of kitchen furniture like door hinges. Their primary food sources are dry products like flour, groats, rice, breadcrumbs, and breakfast cereals. They can also be found in dried fruits, nuts, and spices.
A simple trick to get rid of moths
Flour, rice, and groats are basic ingredients that we often buy in bulk. Unfortunately, they're also a favorite spot for food moths to nest. That's why it’s important to protect them right after purchase.
TikToker @uniwersalna11 advises placing products like flour or rice in the freezer immediately after you return from the store and keeping them at freezing temperature for at least 48 hours. This is a simple way to eliminate any potential larvae or eggs in the packages. After this time, the groceries can be safely stored in kitchen cabinets without fear of unwanted guests.
To maintain freshness and quality longer, it's recommended to store groceries in airtight containers or bags. If moth larvae have already attacked your food, it's important to quickly dispose of all contaminated products.
Don't forget to thoroughly clean shelves and other furniture elements. An effective method is to use warm water with vinegar added, which will thoroughly disinfect the surfaces. Finally, bay leaves and cloves are spread in the cabinets—their strong scent acts as a deterrent to moths.
