How to find the food moth nest?
To find out, the most important thing is to look for the darkest places in your home. It is these spaces that attract moths to lay and develop their eggs comfortably and safely.
Mites prefer grain-based products (flour, cereals, pasta, baking mixes, cookies), seeds, nuts, hazelnuts, dried fruits, but also sweets. However, larvae hide in the edges of cans, spice jars or in unopened packaging and sealed canisters. Also remember to check the animals’ food!
Can you eat moth-infested rice?
No study proves that it is harmful to health. However, this does not mean that we can eat moth-infested foods.
There are ways to prevent rice moth infestation of your food and pantry. However, you should make sure to transfer all dried foods to airtight containers before storing them in your pantry.
What to do against moths? Tips to get rid of this problem naturally
Food moths (or food butterflies) quickly become a nuisance in the kitchen, also because it is not easy to get rid of them. Whether it is the use of an insecticide or a major cleaning, in most cases a lot of time and patience is required.
However, keep in mind that there are also various more traditional and less harmful techniques for health and environment that can be successfully used against these parasites.
Empty your entire pantry
Get all the produce out of your pantry or cupboard. If possible, remove shelves, including support pins, drawers, all food containers and packaging, shelf liners, etc. Try to empty all the space!
Disinfect kitchen cabinets
First, clean all kitchen cabinets thoroughly. Throw away any products that have moths on them. Additionally, wash shelves and cabinets with vinegar water and your favorite essential oil (this is optional). It’s also a good idea to quickly disinfect cabinets.
Mix hot water and white vinegar in a spray bottle (1/3 vinegar, 2/3 water). Then close the container and wait for the solution to cool.
It is also important to store food properly. Store all bulk products (flour, oatmeal, nuts) in glass containers. Do not leave them in paper or plastic bags.
Place scented repellents
Grocery moths don’t like certain strong smells. Therefore, it is worth using it carefully. Put in the cupboards:
- The dried peels of oranges, citrus fruits, tangerines.
- An orange with cloves in it.
- Chili or bay leaves.
- Cotton soaked in vanilla aroma.
There is a very effective clove-based solution. Pour two tablespoons of cloves into boiling water.
Place a cup of this mixture in the kitchen cupboard. Then wait for the water to cool completely and remove the cup. The smell of cloves drives away pests!
Use extreme temperatures to get rid of moths
Moths and their eggs can be easily destroyed using the freezer. Place infested produce in a plastic bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag. After 4 days, the cold from the freezer kills all eggs, larvae and pupae.
Keep moths away with essential oils: an effective remedy for all problems
Essential oils, widely known for their beneficial properties in various areas, are excellent allies in combating the invasion of food moths. We therefore invite you to mix a few drops with fresh water and pour the liquid into a spray bottle. In most stores you can find flavors that satisfy every olfactory taste: from eucalyptus to peppermint to lemongrass.
How to fight food moths with garlic?
Garlic (which can also be easily grown on the balcony) also repels food moths. It is therefore enough to place a few cloves of garlic in your cupboards or kitchen cupboards to permanently and naturally get rid of those little butterflies that appear every time you reach into your food supplies.
Whatever method we choose, prevention is the most effective solution.
Don’t forget that prevention also includes putting a mosquito net on the window, which prevents the neighbors’ insects from entering. Food moths can also enter through vents. These areas can be protected with a fine mesh, of course taking air circulation into account.
How to get rid of flying moths with lemongrass?
Cut fresh lemongrass leaves, place them in mesh bags and arrange them in cupboards and drawers. Not only do they leave a pleasant smell in your cupboards, but they also keep moths and other insects away. Remember to replace the bags every month.