How to prevent and remove moths
They're "secretive" and hard to spot but moths are frequent pantry inhabitants, especially during the warmer months.
Indian meal moths are the most common type of moth found to be lurking in your cupboard.
"They're very secretive as adult moths and you don't see them flying around very much at all," Ted Edwards, honorary fellow with CSIRO's Australian National Insect Collection, told ABC Radio Canberra.
Despite their stealth nature, signs they have moved into your space include webbing which can be found on packets or on the surface of food. Additionally, keep an eye out for larvae in your flour, rice or muesli.
How to deal with pantry moths
If you have found yourself victim to pantry moths, depose of all of the affected food and wipe out all the shelves, making sure to clean any holes in the shelving.
Where do moths come from?
Worryingly, Dr Edwards says a lot of the time moths make their way into homes from the supermarket.
"These moths lay minute eggs in tiny cracks and holes in the plastic packing," Dr Edwards said.
"If you're concerned about a package that's come in from the supermarket or a package that you've got in the pantry, then freeze it for a couple of weeks to kill the larvae and eggs."
As a further preventative measure, transfer all dry foods into airtight containers, preferably with screw-top lids.
"Certainly, a lot of people have pantry moths at the moment, even I have them," Dr Edwards said.
Simple moth remedy
The best part is, no harsh chemicals are required.
What you’ll need:
- Spray bottle
- Water
- White vinegar
- Eucalyptus, peppermint and cedarwood essential oils
Method:
Mix equal parts water and vinegar in your spray bottle. Add about 15 drops of eucalyptus, 5 drops of peppermint and 10 of cedarwood essential oils.
Simply, spray the solution on surfaces and wipe with a cloth.
