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Pantry Moths in Wichita Kitchens: What to Do
Moths in the kitchen mean 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 Wichita 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 Wichita kitchens?
The extension says food can become infested at any point from production to your home, but grocery stores and homes are the most likely places. So a clean kitchen can still get them. Fall and winter baking means more flour, nuts, and dried fruit on the shelf, and food that sits for a long time is more likely to be hit.
What should you do first?
Check flour, cereal, rice, pasta, crackers, nuts, dried beans, dried fruit, and spices.
Throw out anything with webbing, worms, or beetles.
Vacuum shelves, cracks, and corners. Empty the vacuum right away.
Store dry goods in sealed glass, metal, or heavy plastic containers.
Buy smaller amounts and use older items first.
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 (316) 775-7867. You can text a photo of what you found. See pest control in Wichita.
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