How to get rid of pantry moths in the pantry | Non-toxic

How to get rid of pantry moths in the pantry

The pantry is ground zero for a pantry moth problem. It is warm, undisturbed and packed with exactly the dry starchy food their larvae live on. If moths keep appearing every time you open the door, the answer is not another can of spray. It is a careful clear-out of the food they are breeding in, a deep clean of the shelves and a trap to catch the adults, all without chemicals around your groceries.

Why pantry moths love the pantry

Pantry moths lay their eggs directly on dry goods, so a stocked pantry is a nursery. Flour, cereal, rice, nuts, dried fruit and pet food are all fair game. The larvae will even chew through thin bags and cardboard to reach them. Once they finish feeding they crawl into the seams of the shelving and the corners of the cabinet to pupate, which is why the problem lingers after you toss the obvious box. (More on the how and why: What do pantry moths eat? and Where do pantry moths hide?)

The non-toxic fix for your pantry

Empty the pantry completely and inspect every item. Throw out anything with webbing, clumped powder or larvae. For a sealed staple that still looks clean but you are not sure about, freeze it for a week as a precaution, since that kills any eggs or larvae you cannot see. Vacuum the empty shelves and get into the cracks and back corners where larvae hide, then wipe everything down. Hang Pantry Moth Traps inside to catch the adult males and stop the next generation. Before you restock, puff Dust to Dust into the shelf cracks with the Insect Buster. Move your dry goods into sealed glass or metal containers so nothing new gets in.

Clear the pantry step by step

• Empty and inspect: pull everything out and discard any food with webbing, clumps or larvae.
• Freeze the maybes: freeze sealed staples that look clean but you are unsure about for a week as a precaution.
• Vacuum the cracks: clean shelf seams and corners, then wipe down.
• Trap the adults: hang Pantry Moth Traps inside the pantry to break the cycle.
• Seal and treat: puff Dust to Dust into cracks and store dry goods in airtight glass or metal.

Related: How to kill pantry moths and How to moth-proof a pantry.

Shop non-toxic pantry moth control → browse the full Pantry moth collection.