Pantry moths are often tamed with strong-smelling sprays and traps. These methods should be used for a quick fix, as once the moth population exceeds a certain point (about 8–15 months in 1 cubic foot of space), it’s game over. Unfortunately, the natural life cycle of their favorite host, food storage areas, means there is no long-term way to get rid of these pests.
As soon as an infestation has been eliminated by spraying and trapping, the source can start again once conditions are right, provided the destructive pest hasn’t already discovered other food sources like pet food or human foods. But the question is, are pantry moths poisonous?
Pantry moths are not poisonous. Pantry moths don’t threaten humans or pets, but they may wreak havoc on your dry goods. These moths aren’t harmful in any way other than the widespread contamination of food they cause. There is no real danger to health, yet it isn’t delightful.
In the event of an infestation, you should throw all perishable goods away.
What are moths attracted to?
Moths are attracted to the smell of food, and the larvae that hatch from the moth eggs can cause much damage. The larvae tend to bore through everything and eat food products, which is how they got their name. They will destroy grain and other stored products, making it impossible to use them for cooking or baking. If you can’t see these pests at work or smell them in your pantry, there may be an infestation in another part of your home. This can mean a problem with your home’s ventilation system. In addition, the insects can travel to other areas of your home and lay eggs on your walls or floors.
What do pantry moths feed on?
Moth larvae will eat wood, which is why they hide in the crevices of furniture, under carpets or rugs, and near woodwork. If you see any webbing or nests around these hiding places, a serious infestation is likely going on. Pantry moth larvae will feed on fabric materials and carpets but don’t worry about drywall damage. Unlike termites, these pests are not known to drill holes through this material.
As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to protect yourself against these pests. You have an infestation if you see some of them flying around in your kitchen. You should keep your home’s food supplies in tightly sealed containers. This will stop the larvae from getting into your food storage and destroying it. It will also stop them from flying around your house and laying more eggs.
This is a good time to get a professional exterminator to set up traps and spray those areas where insects tend to hide, like under the stove or in cabinets.
Getting rid of pantry moths
Use a vacuum cleaner with a head attachment to clean out cracks and crevices in hard-to-reach places. Be sure to keep the vacuum bag or container tightly closed; if you’re unsure how to do this, get them emptied in a trash receptacle outside your home. Then take a stiff-bristled broom and sweep up all the visible moth larvae and eggs, including those on walls, floors, carpets, and rugs.
Remember that there may be other pests involved with this infestation, so it’s a good idea to have a professional pest control operator (PCO) check out your home’s ventilation system and any suspected moth breeding sites. In addition, keeping your pantry clean will help keep these destructive pests from damaging food stocks again.
Conclusion
Are pantry moths poisonous? No, they are not, but food odors lure pantry moths, and the harm their larvae wreak is substantial. The larvae live in food products and tend to bore through anything in their path. Grain and other storage products will be destroyed, rendering them useless for food preparation. There may be an infestation elsewhere in your home if you can’t see or smell the pests in your pantry.