Will Diatomaceous Earth Kill Pantry Moths?

My first question is, do you have a pesky problem with pantry moths? We all have these problems with moths. Pantry moths are a real pain; not only that, but they can quickly eat through your food supply. If you don’t want to throw away food or containers or waste your time locating and killing these pests, an alternative method can help keep them at bay. 

One of the most popular ways to protect against pantry moths is by using diatomaceous earth, which you can find in many gardening stores and big box retailers. It comes in a fine powder that you can sprinkle on the pantry floor or insecticide powder. But will diatomaceous earth kill pantry moths?

The benefits of diatomaceous earth are that it is non-toxic, dirt cheap, and works well against pantry moths. In addition, when sprayed or used with other moth control products, diatomaceous earth will keep moths from getting into your stored food products by dehydrating them when they come in contact with it. 

• Diatomaceous earth kills pantry moths quickly.
• You can use it in the kitchen or garden.
• It is a scalable method of controlling pests.
• It is a natural and safe method.
• It kills insects without harming humans or pets.
• You can use it to remove eggs from stored food.
• It can be used in the refrigerator and freezer (not the microwave).
• It will not harm germs on your food, but avoid using it near the top shelf of your refrigerator as it can hurt them.
• Diatomaceous earth powder is not harmful to humans or animals.
• Doesn’t smell strong like other pesticides.
• All-natural, safe for children and animals, and non-toxic when used as directed.

For the product to work, you must maintain a perimeter around your food storage area, preventing pests from getting near your food supply. In addition, keeping food containers clean is essential, so the moths cannot use tasty crumbs to lay their eggs on.

Refrain from throwing away your food if you have a problem with pantry moths. Instead, try diatomaceous earth as an alternative method to kill and repel them from your food storage area. You will find this product on Amazon, and it’s inexpensive, safe, and effective against pantry moths!

How diatomaceous earth kills pantry moths

Diatomaceous earth is a porous rock powder with microscopic, sharp edges. It’s made from the fossilized remains of algae-like organisms called diatoms. These sharp edges cut through the waxy outer coating insects have on their bodies and kill them by drying them out without harming humans or other animals.

Pantry moths have a very thick wax layer as they are not eaten often, which makes it easy for them to come into contact with diatomaceous earth. Unfortunately, when they do so, their wings get stuck in the dust granules and die shortly after.

Unlike insecticides, diatomaceous earth can be used in the kitchen right next to where you prepare and cook food. No nasty chemicals to worry about!

How long does diatomaceous earth take to kill pantry moths?

Depending on how much food the pantry moth infestation has been eating, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days for the pantry moths to completely die off. If they are all dead and quiet, look very closely at each one because some are better at hiding than others, and you don’t want any left if possible.

How diatomaceous earth kills moths’ eggs

Once you get rid of the adult pantry moths, you must remove the eggs. This is where an impressive amount of dusting comes into play. You will never get them all, but you can help prevent a new generation by removing as many as possible. Since they are laid in different locations, and you may miss some, the next generation will have lots of powder already on them, meaning they will die faster than adults. The best way to find those little eggs is to use magnifying glasses and search through cracks, corners, and other tiny spots they can hide in.

Since you have already killed the adults and removed their eggs, you will have to completely seal up your food storage area, which is time-consuming and tedious. Use zip ties to seal all entry points with the powder tightly. Diatomaceous earth has a strong smell, so you will want to put the powder in an area away from your food and stay out of it for at least four hours because it can easily knock you over. You can also store your dried goods in another room if necessary.

Conclusion

Diatomaceous earth is an excellent way to control pantry moths, silk moths, tobacco hornworms, cutworms, cabbage worms, corn rootworms, and much more. You can use it around your house, around trees, and in your garden as well! It is entirely safe for pets (you should avoid using it on dogs or other animals because they may accidentally eat some) and your kids. In addition, it will not irritate the skin; you can even put it up your nose to treat an infection.