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Pantry Moths in Overland Park and KC Kitchens: What to Do
A moth in the kitchen is a clue that something in the pantry is infested. University of Minnesota Extension says Indianmeal moths are the most common food-infesting moths in homes. Here is what Overland Park and Kansas City homeowners should know.
Quick Answers
Only the larvae eat stored food. Look for whitish worms and silky webbing.
Infested food often comes home from the store.
Toss infested food, vacuum the shelves, and store dry goods in sealed containers.
Why do pantry moths show up in Overland Park and Kansas City kitchens?
A spotless kitchen can still get pantry moths. The extension says infested food can come from the store or from storage at home, and opened packages are the most exposed. Insects can also chew into or crawl through unopened paper, cardboard, or plastic. Food that sits a long time is more likely to be hit.
What should you do first?
Go through every dry food package, opened ones first.
Throw out anything with webbing, worms, or beetles.
Vacuum shelves, cracks, and corners. Empty the vacuum right away.
Move dry goods into sealed glass, metal, or heavy plastic containers.
For older food you are unsure about, freeze it at 0 degrees F for at least four days. Or heat it in a shallow pan at 130 degrees F for at least 30 minutes.
What does not help?
The extension does not recommend insecticides in cupboards. They do not reach bugs inside packages. It also says bleach, ammonia, bay leaves, and spearmint gum do not prevent infestations. Moths can keep showing up for up to three weeks after you remove the food. After that, look for another source.
Common Questions
Do pantry moths hurt people or pets?
The extension says these insects do not bite or sting people or pets, and they do not damage buildings. They do contaminate far more food than they eat.
How long will moths keep showing up?
The extension says moths may keep appearing for up to three weeks after infested food is removed. If you still see them after that, another source is likely.
Do you use contracts for pantry moth control?
No. We do not use contracts.
How We Help
We take a look, explain what we see in plain words, and walk you through your options. No scare tactics. No contracts. Call or text us at (913) 222-2847. You can text a photo of what you found. See our Johnson County page.
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