How To Get Rid Of Pantry Moths In Your West Chester Cupboards
February 20, 2022
Pantry moths are one of the more common pests found in homes throughout North America. Known also by their formal name, Indian meal moths, these pests specifically attack the kitchen area of the house. They damage, infest, and breed in household pantry items, such as dried pasta, flour, and grains, as well as pet food, dried fruit, and spices.
Read on for more about what pantry moths in West Chester look like, how Indian meal moths get into West Chester homes and learn effective pantry moth prevention tips for West Chester homes.
What Do Pantry Moths In West Chester Look Like?
Pantry moths, or Indian meal moths, are grey and measure about a half-inch in length. They are winged, and roughly two-thirds of their wings are a reddish-brown color with black stripes. In the case of a pantry infestation, the culprits that cause the most damage aren’t the adults but their larvae. Adult Indian meal moths don’t eat, which makes it harder for homeowners to eradicate them on their own.
The larvae of pantry moths are off-white in color, and they also measure about a half-inch in length. A telltale sign of these pests is the silky web that pantry moth larvae will spin inside the contains of dry pantry items.
How Do Indian Meal Moths Get Into West Chester Homes?
In most cases, Indian meal moths are brought into homes via products that are already infested when they reach food shelves. Items that pantry moths commonly infest include flour, cereals, dried fruits, and beans.
However, pantry moths may also make their way inside by:
- Second-hand clothing, furniture, or home goods
- Open windows and doors
- Through spaces around plumbing systems, cables, or dryer vents that pass through walls
Effective Pantry Moth Prevention Tips For West Chester Homes
Aside from professional pest control services, the second most effective way to safeguard your West Chester home against Indian meal moths is with preventative care. Consider the following tips to keep these pests out:
- Carefully examine all food products before purchasing. Since most pantry moth infestations begin with infested products being brought into the home, it’s important to avoid this entirely by thoroughly investigating all purchased food products. If an insect, live or dead, is found on or in any food product packaging, the item should be discarded immediately.
- Keep your home clear of crumbs. Pantry moths have a keen sense of smell, and even mere crumbs underneath the kitchen table can attract them through open windows. Vacuuming frequently and regularly cleaning surfaces, cabinets, and pantry shelves can ensure no debris is left for these pests.
- Seal all potential entry points into the home and pantry. Seal all cracks in the foundation, exterior-facing doors, and around window and door frames. Include tears in screens, as well as around pantry doors. Keep pantry doors closed when not in use.
The Trick To Total Pantry Pest Control In West Chester
The safest, quickest, and most effective way to get rid of Indian meal moths in your West Chester home for good is with help from the local professionals at Masters Touch Pest Solution. Our family-owned business has been serving the residents of West Chester for more than 30 years, and our services tackle pests of all kinds, including Indian meal moths. If you suspect you may have these pests, or for advice on any others, contact Masters Touch Pest Solution today at 610-822-9975.
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