This common pantry pest could be munching on your food supplies – here's how to protect your kitchen

Pantry moths (and their larvae) are an absolute nightmare to deal with: chewing through your food packaging, laying their eggs, leaving droppings, and just being a general nuisance flying around the kitchen (similarly to fruit flies).

The worst thing about pantry moths is that part of what causes them is out of your control, as they are sometimes already infested in sealed food before you've even brought it home from the shops.

However, you're not totally powerless in the fight against these pests, and there are a number of ways to prevent them, such as using glass containers instead of plastic. Below, you'll find expert advice from pest control experts on the causes, signs and how to get rid of them.

How to get rid of pantry moths

1. Find the source
If you suspect a pantry moth infestation, the first step is to go through your dry goods – such as flour, pasta, pet food, and rice – and look for signs like webs and larvae. Throw out any infested food, even if it’s sealed.

2. Clean your kitchen cupboards
Once the affected items have been removed, do a deep clean of your pantry, starting with a thorough vacuum of all surfaces.

Next, Tony King, a pest control expert at The Pied Piper, recommends wiping down your cabinets and shelving using soap or vinegar until all eggs and larvae have been eliminated.

3. Invest in airtight containers
Finally, make sure all food you buy in the future is stored in airtight containers made of something sturdy, such as glass, metal, or hard plastic. Although simple, Tony says this is the most effective way to prevent pantry moths from multiplying further.

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Tony King

Tony King is the owner and manager of The Pied Piper, a leading pest control service that has been in operation for more than 25 years.

What is a pantry moth?

Pantry moths are small flying insects that sneak into stored goods such as flour, cereal, rice, pasta, and pet food – sometimes before the products even reach the supermarket shelf! They are also known as the Indianmeal moth.

According to Tony King, the adults lay their eggs in dry food, and it is their larvae that contaminate and damage the products. While they don’t pose any toxic danger, he warns that they can destroy large quantities of food and make the area unhygienic for use.

While their cousin, the carpet moth, can be found in natural fibers such as clothing and certain types of flooring, the pantry moth lives in dry food storage.

What are the signs of pantry moths?

According to Darren Backhouse, Partner at MJ Backhouse Pest Control, you know you have a pantry moth infestation if:

• You spot tiny moths flying around the kitchen
• You discover webbing in food items and containers
• You see larvae inside your dry goods; these are about 1/4 inch long, cream-coloured and look a bit like maggots

You may also notice droppings around your kitchen (small brown specks), tiny white eggs, or food that is discoloured and clumps together.

Darren Backhouse

Darren is the partner of a family-run pest control company based in Yorkshire, which has been operating since 1988. He has vast experience working on both domestic and commercial property and has seen just about every pest control issue there is over the years.

What causes pantry moths?

This might be surprising, but the most common way for pantry moths to enter your home is through infested products bought from the shops. Darren Backhouse explains that they then spread to other stored foods that are not properly sealed.

"That’s why it’s important to clean out cupboards regularly and use sealed containers for dried foods."

While they're certainly unpleasant, a pantry moth infestation doesn't indicate a dirty home – just the need for better food storage solutions, which can be easily achieved.

For more pest control advice, read our guide on how to get rid of rats and how to kill silverfish in your bathroom.