Pantry Moths

Updated on July 09, 2009
A.S. asks from Marietta, GA
13 answers

Does anyone know of a sure-fire way to get rid of pantry moths (sometimes known as millers). We have them all over the house now but mostly in the kitchen. We have tried spray, scrubbing out the pantry, throwing out food, freezing all food, etc. For a while they'll almost disappear, but then they reemerge again like a horror movie. Any advice would be much appreciated.

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.R.

answers from Atlanta on

I have them to.Didn't know what they where till you said what you did.We have tried everything to.They are only in my kitchen so far.I have never had anything like them before.I am going to the co op and ask them what to do since i have a name for them,They should know.Thanks M.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.T.

answers from Charleston on

My mom also had them and we also tried everything. nothing worked so she called terminx. At frist i thought it was too much money but if you add up all the traps and bug killers we had to buy this was less and the have a garentee

G.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.M.

answers from Atlanta on

We tried this and it works...we got rid of the dry goods where they were and then set some traps we bought from the

DO It Yourself Pest Control

2823 Chamblee Tucker Rd
Atlanta, GA 30341-3925

###-###-####‎
###-###-####‎
doyourownpestcontrol.com

It took a few days, but eventually we were rid of them...good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.K.

answers from Atlanta on

I ordered pantry moth "traps" from a catalog called Solutions. They are triangular shaped cardboard deals open at both ends and inside there is a sticky substance that apparently attracts the moths and they stick to it. I was amazed at how well it works.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.P.

answers from Atlanta on

That probably means you still have the source of eggs in your pantry. I'm sure you're sick of them! I'd probably just get every bag of flour/Shake and Bake/cornmeal/etc. and toss it and buy new ones and keep them in airtight containers.

If they're actually Millers, check this out. http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05597.html

If they're what I'm guessing you're talking about -- pantry moths -- here's an article on getting rid of them: http://www.ehow.com/how_18818_rid-home-pantry.html

Blech! Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.

answers from Augusta on

We have the same problem.
We bought these traps from lowes or home depot, the triangle ones that lure the moths into it then they stick there. They work for a while and at least slow them down. we haven't found anything that gets rid of the permanently yet.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Savannah on

I don't know if I am thinking about the same type of pest...but I simply keep my grits/meal and sometimes flour in the refrigerator.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.F.

answers from Macon on

Bay leaves spread out, I hear.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.M.

answers from Spartanburg on

I am dealing that right now also. 1st try to cut off their food supply, I put things in my fridge. Then go to LoWE'S and purchace pantry moth traps...so far it really seems to be working well...good luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

I've heard the only way to do it is to take every single thing you have out of the box and store it in Tupperware or other plastic or glass containers. Tupperware actually uses this as a sales pitch because the moths come in on the boxes from the store and feed on the glue that holds the tabs together (think cereal boxes, cracker boxes, etc.). My parents had a horrible time with them and tried everything, and sure enough the only thing that worked was converting everything to plastic containers. They didn't use all Tupperware (quite expensive), but a variety of stuff they already had and other stuff like Rubbermaid and Glad containers from the store. Just make sure the containers close with a tight seal.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Spartanburg on

You may be bringing them home from the Grocery store. These pest love to hitch a ride in bird seed, dog food, grits, rice, flour, pasta, cereals,candy bars, and even cork.
We had an infestation probably 8 years ago. I thought the culprit was the sack of stone ground grits that we brought home from the mountains, but after getting rid of the grits and all the moths and larvae... we had them again. It wasn't until I was at the grocery store that I realized that's were the second (and possibly the 1st)invasion came from. The dog food aisle (also were they keep the bird seed) had moths flying around. That's were they had come from. Mind you this is a nice, newer grocery store, so either they came from their warehouse or the manufacturer.
Keep a close eye on everything in your panrty and cabinets. Next time you go to the store pay close attention to the packaging of items you purchase, looking for tiny holes in the packaging and around the folds and flaps for any egg casings or larvae. Store the items in air tight containers (glass or plastic, NO cork tops!).
If all else fails, set off a fogger in the kitchen area leaving all the doors and drawers open. Only thing then you'll have to wash all your dishes and surfaces that food and hands come in contact with.
Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.B.

answers from Atlanta on

A. S.
I had this problem in the past so I feel your pain. Mike with Defender Pest control is the best. He can be ____@____.com Luck!
B. B

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.T.

answers from Atlanta on

I used to get an infestation about twice a year for two or three years until I finally called Terminix. They told me they couldn't do anything unless I wanted my food sprayed because that is where they were living and breeding. I was told the that big box stores (ie Sams and Costco) are the likeliest of culprits. Sure enough, after I stopped getting large bags of various items like pastas, flour etc. I haven't had any further infestations.
Hope this helps to at least pinpoint where you might be bringing them in from.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions