Trying to swat away flying moths with a broom or a rolled-up newspaper may seem satisfying, but unfortunately, it’s not an effective solution. In most cases, you’re only removing the visible males. Meanwhile, female moths quietly lay tiny, silvery-white eggs that soon hatch into hungry larvae — the real cause of damage in your home. The key to eliminating a moth infestation is targeting their source — not just the adults you can see.
Where Do Pantry Moths Hide?
Pantry moths thrive in warm, humid environments with limited airflow. They infest dry foods such as flour, grains, nuts, legumes, and dried fruits. Catching the adult moths won’t resolve the issue if larvae and eggs remain in your cupboards.
To properly deal with pantry moths:
- Remove all food from the affected cupboards.
- Discard any items that show signs of infestation — including both opened and sealed packages (larvae can burrow through plastic or cardboard).
- Clean all surfaces thoroughly with a disinfectant.
- Leave cupboards empty for several days to help break the breeding cycle.
- When restocking, store food in airtight, sealed containers to prevent re-infestation.
These steps will help prevent pantry moths from returning — from external sources or contaminated groceries you might unknowingly bring home.
Pantry Moth Control: Step-by-Step
Eliminating kitchen moths starts with clearing out and inspecting all stored foods:
- Check every package — even unopened — for signs of larvae or webbing.
- Pay extra attention to seams, folds, and corners of packaging.
- Discard anything that shows signs of contamination.
Since larvae can chew through plastic, using sealed packaging isn’t foolproof. Store dry goods in tightly sealed glass or metal containers for long-term prevention.
How Do Clothes Moths Cause Damage?
Clothes moths are persistent pests that can cause significant damage all year round. Their larvae feed on natural fibres, attacking wool, cotton, silk, feathers, leather, and even certain book bindings. They’re known to chew through thin plastic to reach their target. Even more concerning — these larvae can survive in cold conditions and live for nearly a month without food.
Preventing Clothes Moth Infestations
Clothes moths dislike fresh air and sunlight, so items that are regularly worn, washed, and aired out are less likely to be affected. In contrast, garments that are stored away—especially winter clothing packed for the season—are prime targets.
Larvae are particularly attracted to clothing with stains, oils, or perspiration, making proper laundering essential. Always wash garments at a minimum of 60°C before storage to ensure any eggs or larvae are killed.
Best Ways to Protect Your Wardrobe
Prevention is your first line of defence. Start with your wardrobe:
- Regularly air out clothing and storage areas.
- Clean closets and wardrobes, paying attention to hidden corners.
- Natural repellents like lavender, cedar, or other moth-deterrent sachets are used to discourage infestation.
A common myth is that moths only target wool — but in reality, larvae will consume any natural fibre that provides the protein (keratin) they need. That includes linen, silk, cashmere, and cotton. Storing clothes in plastic bags may seem like a safe choice, but it often creates a humid, enclosed environment where moths thrive.
When to Call a Professional Moth Control Service?
Ignoring a moth problem only escalates it, causing further damage to your food supplies and wardrobe. If your efforts aren’t reducing the infestation, it’s time to bring in a professional pest control service.
Expert exterminators will:
- Assess the extent of the infestation.
- Identify hidden breeding grounds.
- Provide targeted treatment to eliminate both adult moths and larvae.
While it’s wise to first attempt preventive measures, serious or recurring infestations require professional moth treatment.