A home can be infested by pests of different types of insects. Maybe you have had to resort to plants that repel mosquitoes, small flies proliferate in your kitchen or perhaps cockroaches have settled in as your roommates. Or it could be that your pantry has become inexplicably filled with moths.
Although the best-known moths are those that stalk clothes, the truth is that there is a species of this insect that invades kitchens and pantries, specifically, Plodia interpunctella. It is also known as dried fruit moth or Indian flour moth. In fact, they feed mainly on flour, as well as nuts, seeds, grains and cereals. Therefore, more than your fruit bowl or your refrigerator, what attracts these insects the most are your home pantries.
Once moths invade your pantry, they have the ability to pierce paper, plastic or cardboard containers with their teeth, so they will contaminate all the food they have access to. In addition, they will reproduce, since a female can lay up to 600 eggs. If you have seen one or more moths swarming around your kitchen, it is time to get to work to eradicate them as soon as possible.
The first step will be to identify and throw away all foods that are contaminated by moths. You will know because you will find one or several swarming near the food or inside the container, but, if in doubt, it is best to throw away all open food containers, as it is more than likely that the moths have been in contact with the food. meal.
Next, do a thorough cleaning of the kitchen in general and the pantry in particular. You should vacuum every nook and cranny to also eliminate any eggs or larvae. Next, mix warm water with cleaning vinegar and use this combination to clean surfaces, from countertops to drawers and shelves. You can use an insecticide or special traps for moths, but if you do, make sure they do not come into contact with food and clean very well afterwards.
On the other hand, wash all glass or plastic jars and containers that are not disposable with hot water and soap, or in the dishwasher, to ensure that all the moth eggs are eliminated. From now on, transfer foods such as flour, cereals and nuts to airtight containers. Finally, a few bay leaves or a few drops of lavender or mint essential oil will act as a repellent for moths. Remember to do recurring cleanings of your kitchen and pantry to keep insect pests at bay.
