![]() Plodia interpunctella are the most common moths infesting food in homes. Any food that comes in contact with insecticide must be thrown away and cupboards, containers and dishes must be thoroughly washed and dried before being used again.Any control of insects outside of packaging is temporary unless you find and get rid of the source of the infestation.Household insecticides have no effect on insects inside food packages.Insecticides are not recommended for controlling insects in stored food cupboards.If insects are infesting ornaments or decorations made with plant products or seeds, place the items in a freezer for at least four days. These temperatures will kill any eggs or insects. If you have older food products and you are not sure if they are infested, you can put them in the freezer at 0 degrees for at least four days or in shallow cookie sheets or pans in an oven at 130 degrees for at least 30 minutes. However, if you continue to see Indianmeal moths after three weeks, that means there is an infested food source that you haven't found yet. It is not unusual to see an Indianmeal moth flying for up to three weeks after the infested food has been thrown out. To prevent re-infestation, store foods in sealable glass, metal, or heavy plastic containers or in the freezer or refrigerator until you are sure the infestation is gone. Washing shelves with detergent, bleach, ammonia, or disinfectants will not keep pantry pests from returning and could be dangerous if the chemicals come in contact with food. Empty the vacuum cleaner or discard the vacuum cleaner bag after use to prevent re-infestation. This will pick up crawling insects and spilled or infested material. Use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean cabinets and shelves, especially in cracks and corners. When you find food that is infested, throw it away. There is no evidence that placing bay leaves or sticks of spearmint gum in a cupboard will prevent or get rid of stored food insect pests. Washing areas with detergents, ammonia, or bleach will not prevent insect infestation. Check and clean areas where pet food and birdseed are stored.Thoroughly clean cracks and corners of cupboards with a vacuum cleaner.Clean up crumbs or spilled food immediately. You can also store foods in the refrigerator or freezer. Store insect-free foods in tightly closed glass, metal or heavy plastic containers.Look for evidence of insects including holes in the packaging or wrapping.Packages should be sealed and unbroken.Inspect packages or bulk products before buying.Use oldest products before newer ones, and opened packages before unopened ones.Buy dried foods in quantities small enough to be used up in a short period of time (two to four months).But foods of any age can become infested. Most pantry pests also infest stored grain and may be found outdoors.įood products that are left in storage for a long time are prone to infestation. But stored food is most likely to become infested in the grocery store or in homes. Where do they come from?Ī stored food product can become infested from production until it arrives in your home. Insects inside an infested package multiply and can spread to other stored foods not only in the same area but in other rooms in a home.Īll insect stages (egg, larva, pupa, and adult) may be present at the same time in infested products. They may chew their way into packages or crawl in through folds and seams. ![]() ![]() Pantry pests are most likely to infest products that have been opened but they also can get into unopened paper, thin cardboard, and plastic, foil or cellophane-wrapped packages. Other items that may be infested include birdseed, dry pet food, ornamental corn, dried flowers and plants, garden seeds, potpourri and rodent baits. Cereal products (flour, cake mix, cornmeal, rice, spaghetti, crackers, and cookies).Indianmeal moth adults, larvae and webbing. ![]()
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