Moth Wars

In the classic Japanese horror flicks featuring Mothra, giant moths cause great destruction. To the right, you see Mothra in her larval form destroying the Tokyo Tower (Mothra, 1961). The film makers got it right in this shot. It is the larval state of pantry moths that causes all the damage. 

We have posted information about grain moths here before, but since they were recently featured in an online article - and because they are a year-round problem here in San Diego, we have decided to revisit the topic with additional information and tips on how to get rid of these troublesome pests.

The article posted on recordonline.com discusses the Indian meal moth. A similar pantry pest is the angoumois grain moth. Both these insects infest grain products, their larvae feeding on flour, rice, cornmeal, oatmeal, dried fruits, nuts, bird food and dried pet food, among other pantry items. If you have seen adult moths flying in the kitchen or pantry areas, control can be achieved with careful examination of stored foods - any dry goods you have in the pantry or cabinet areas. Check also bird seed, dry dog food, even fish food and stored spices. When moth larvae feed, they spin webs, leaving behind silken threads where they have travelled. Small particles of food often adhere loosely to the thread, causing the food to clump. Often the webbing left behind is obvious on the packaging. If this webbing is visible, throw out the entire package. The larvae can bore holes through cardboard and plastic packaging materials, so even foods that have not been opened should be examined. Any infested food and packaging should be disposed of in outdoor trash receptacles. If possible, store uninfected foods in airtight glass jars or in the refrigerator or freezer.

As you empty pantry shelves to examine food, remove all food container - even canned goods - and check for evidence of larvae on the bottoms of cans, inside drinking straws, and between stored  paper or plastic bags. Remove shelf paper. Clean shelves first with a vacuum cleaner and then with soap and water, or a disinfectant cleaner. Be sure you clean even cracks and corners, as small amounts of flour or meal may have accumulated there as well. A thorough scrubbing of the pantry area, and inspection of all dry goods will usually be sufficient to eradicate the problem. Pesticides are usually not necessary. If adult moths persist, a pheromone sticky trap can help relieve the problem before they lay more eggs. Getting to the source of the infestation is a major part of moth control. If left untreated, this pantry problem can become nearly as big and scary as the moths in the movies. Don't let this happen to you!