Food storage is an essential part of managing your kitchen. We choose specific items to store different types of food because it affects its lifespan. But it can be frustrating to see small insects still manage to get inside sealed containers. How does that happen? How do pantry moths get into sealed containers? Let’s get to know these pests and work out a solution for you.
What Is A Pantry Moth – Quick Facts
If you’re wondering how do pantry moths get into sealed containers, you should take a look at some of the interesting facts about them first:
What you know as a pantry moth is called an Indian meal moth. These moths come with other nicknames as well, like flour moth or grain moth. It lives up to its reputation as a relentless household pest, which is why it makes you wonder how do you get pantry moths in the first place? But there’s more to know about the pantry moth:
- The pantry moth is an international insect. It is on all continents, except Antarctica.
- The pantry moth is attracted to light. One theory suggests that moths generally use the moonlight to guide their paths at night. And they get confused around other sources of light and end up in your home.
- The pantry moth’s babies are the real enemies. A pantry moth in its larval form eats constantly. However, when they emerge from their cocoons and become fully-formed adults, they only live long enough to mate and lay eggs. Adult moths don’t eat at all!
- The pantry moth can eat through material, like cardboard and soft plastic. So, how do pantry moths get into sealed containers? These containers might not be enough to protect your food. We will talk more about how to get rid of pantry moths later.
- The pantry moth is arguably unstoppable. Pesticides can’t be used on them since they infest food. Instead, experts use biological agents. But they’re starting to develop a resistance to these agents as well. It may seem worrying to you, but there are some things we can do to prevent a pantry moth infestation.
How Do You Prevent Pantry Moths – Tips And Tricks
- Check your food purchases. The main reason you suddenly get pantry moths in your sealed container is that its larvae could already infest some of the food you purchase. Make it a habit to check the food you buy.
- Inspect areas in the house that store food. You should empty all the cabinets, and check all your food packages for possible infestation.
- Clean your shelves. Always clean spilled food and seal the cracks on the walls and cabinets.
- Store your food in proper containers. Make sure you choose materials, like glass or hard plastic to store your food. If you have animal feed in your garage, check it regularly for infestation. Try to find a tightly sealed container or store food in a refrigerator.
Conclusion
How do pantry moths get into sealed containers, and how do we prevent that from happening? Now that we know infestation can begin from the food source, we can be more cautious while purchasing food. The best thing to do is to check your food before you check out. Here’s how to learn more about food storage.