2023-11-19 21:00:48
Traps, cleanliness and cold are enemies of these annoying food insects. Learn how to eradicate them and the correct storage so that they do not appear again.
Last update: November 19, 2023
If you discover small black grains or cobwebs among the flour, cereals and nuts, it is likely that you are living with an invasion of moths. While these insects do not bite or sting, their larvae wreak havoc on stored food.
Keep reading, because we will tell you how you can identify them and promote their elimination. In addition, a series of tips to know as store your grinding foods and maintain hygiene so that they do not appear again.
What are meal moths and how to identify them?
Its scientific name is Plodia interpunctella, but it is known as “Indian flour moth” or pantry moth, due to its preference for cereals. It is a different specimen from the clothing, identifiable by its copper, cinnamon brown and white colorsin addition to its larger size.
Adults, whose tone is grayish, They reach a wingspan of 12 millimeters, but if they spread their wings, they can measure between 16 and 20 mm. Likewise, it has a black band that separates the external wing from the internal wing, while the head and thorax are also brownish.
As the name implies, These moths lurk in areas where there is food such as kitchens, pantries and warehouses. In addition, they are attracted to light, heat and some foods such as:
Pastas Grains Flours Cereals Spices Baked goods Nuts Baking mixes
Lifecycle
Although they may be annoying and unpleasant, these insects are not dangerous or harmful. On the contrary, Moth larvae are responsible for infecting foodsince when they hatch from the eggs, they move to pupate and pierce paper, cardboard and plastic packages.
During its reproductive cycle, the also called banded moth, They can lay between 200 and 400 eggs, which hatch in approximately one week. They then feed on the food for almost a month, until they mature and move, leaving trails of silk and small droppings similar to peppercorns.
They look for nooks and crannies where they are protected and can emerge between one and two weeks later, within already consumed food.
How to eliminate food moths?
If you have identified some remains of larvae in food or encountered several specimens flying, Apply these methods to eliminate moths in the kitchen.
Check food and freeze
Treating food is central to both the prevention and elimination of moths in the home. If you suspect a pest, Check all the foods where these insects usually live. Look for larvae, silk traces and adult moths in cereals, breads, nuts and any type of powdered product.
Dry pet food is another of its frequent attractions. They may be inside or attached to the outside of packages.
It is best to discard contaminated food, but if the infestation is not very large, you can freeze it for two to three days to sanitize. You can also cook suitable food in the oven and thereby eliminate the infestation with heat.
Placing food moth traps
There are adhesive traps specifically made to capture flour species.to. They usually include pheromones that attract the male insect, with a system similar to fly traps.
Place them one and a half meters from the ground, near food or cupboards and, above all, during the hot months, as that is when its reproduction cycle begins.
Traps help in eliminating moths in the kitchen.
Ventilate the area
As we indicated, flour moths slow down their development in environments with less than 10 degrees, so It is advisable to ventilate the pantry. In addition, it is important to aerate the products where you suspect an infestation, in order to accumulate heat and humidity.
Use natural repellents
Just as they are attracted to certain smells, others work to scare them away. In this aspect, It is possible to try natural solutions, such as a preparation based on mint, lemon verbena, lavender and basil..
The aroma of these plants is not pleasing to moths and if they are combined in small bags, you will enhance their effect by hanging them near the pantries and integrating the preparation with cloves and eucalyptus.
Vacuum the warehouse and corners
Ventilating to reduce humidity should be complemented by dusting pantries and cupboards. Loose food scraps, grains and small cereals are attractive to these bugs, so you should make sure to sanitize the area.
It includes the recesses between columns and rows, as well as the back parts. Regarding the structure of the home, They usually rest on moldings, ceilings and wallscorners that should also be vacuumed.
Improve storage
Proper food storage is key to preventing and also eliminating completed infestations. Store grains and cereals in airtight containers.if possible, glass.
This way, if there are eggs among said foods, the insects will not be able to escape from the jar when they hatch. This action is indicated when new products are purchasedsince the moths can arrive from the supermarket itself.
For its part, organization in consumption is another important aspect. To prevent food from accumulating for too long, it is recommended to eat it, according to the order of purchase.
Spray with commercial aerosols
In addition to vacuuming pantries and corners, It is advisable to purchase a biodegradable repellent spray. It can be safely used near where food is stored. Like traps, you can find these products in cleaning stores or supermarkets.
How to prevent and prevent food moths from reappearing?
In addition to eliminating the eggs, larvae and adult specimens, it is necessary to take some extra precautions to prevent their return. Moth eradication depends on three central actions: prevention, monitoring and control.
Carry out a sporadic inspection of the food to look for larvae or traces of them. Store moths’ favorite grains, cereals, nuts and powders in screw-top containers. Maintain constant cleanliness and order in the cupboards, as well as in any place where food is stored. If spills or sticky stains occur, clean them as soon as possible. They are another great insect attractant. Perform thorough sanitation every month, which includes discarding old food and disinfecting furniture.
Meal Moths: When to Discard Food
If you identified the small feces, webs or larvae of the moth, it is best to discard infested foods. Even if they do not pose serious health risks, no one likes eating insects.
Furthermore, it is important to act quickly with the advice we gave you to eliminate them; Otherwise, the plague will continue to spread. In cases where it cannot be eradicated with homemade solutions, we suggest you go to professional fumigators..
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