what eco friendly products get rid of pantry & clothes moths?

AISHA K E
by AISHA K E
  12 answers
  • 3po3 3po3 on Jan 15, 2012
    Cedar balls and lavender sachets can help deter moths. But if you already have a problem, you should clear out everything, clean all the clothes and thoroughly clean all surfaces.
  • You need to put your food products in sealed containers. These moths are coming from older boxes of grain and flour products. Once done, a good cleaning of all the shelves should rid you of these pesky flying insects.
  • AISHA K E AISHA K E on Jan 16, 2012
    Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas.
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Jan 16, 2012
    Ive had success with Steve's recommendations - great choices and the most popular by far. In a pantry WE's suggestion is spot on! Been there done that.
  • AISHA K E AISHA K E on Jan 16, 2012
    they're not active now. i was looking for suggestions so i can start preparing for their return in the spring...like getting air tight containers b/c right now we have to put everything in the fridge. also, did a little research & found a few more moth repellents like juniper, dried citrus peels, cloves, & cinnamon, blk pepper, bay leaves, dill & coriander. of course, i'll try the ones i already have first (if the moths haven't beat me to it!). thanx for all your help.
  • SawHorse Design Build SawHorse Design Build on Jan 16, 2012
    The Eco friendly herbs will add a nice aroma to the pantry as well. Cedar is a great product, but sometimes it can become overwhelming.
  • Peace Painting Co., Inc. Peace Painting Co., Inc. on Jan 16, 2012
    Anole lizards, and they're native. CP
  • Keller Pest Control Keller Pest Control on Jan 16, 2012
    Well here is the rest of the story. Unfortunately there are bugs and bug parts in all food. There are standards for people food which are higher than pet and bird food. If you have moths in your pantry they are call Indian Meal Moths. Most commonly they come from pet and mostly wild bird or bird seed. Its critical to find the source first. Youi need to inspect all areas where you store these products. Once you find the source remove and thoroughly clean all the affected areas with normal house hold cleaners. Pay special attention to all the crevices. Look up at the ceiling where the wall meets the ceiling and you should see the larvae. They look like a long maggot. They then spin a cocoon web from the ceiling.wipe all these down. You should empty out all cabinets that you have food products in and clean thoroughly. Any affected food should be thrown awa. Any food you want to keep should be placed in freezer overnite. In the future store pet and bird feeds in sealed container in garage or outside.As far as clothes moths you can get pheremone traps on the intenet that are safe and effective. If you have questions look at our website www.kellerpest.com or check with your local extension office.
  • Any product that is grain based. Flour, cereal, and the like can have these bugs in them right from the store. The FDA allows for a % of this to be present. So if you left enough product around long enough you will begin to see these worms and moths. The reason for the glass jars and sealed containers is if any one product is left around long enough it will begin to hatch. Once this happens it does not take very long for these bugs to infest other products in sealed boxes within the cabinet. Being sealed not only prevents cross contamination, but contains the one product that may have bugs already hatching. Take a look at all your boxed products. In some cases you will find tiny holes in the box, or bugs stuck in the folds of the box enclosure. I hate to gross you out with this. But this is very common with stored products. Follow Tom Clarke advice also. Chemicals and items that produce smells may push these bugs away from the area, but the fact remains they still come out of the food boxes and no amount of cedar, lavender or any other method will prevent them from developing when they have access to the food.
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Jan 16, 2012
    incredible advice gentlemen!
  • AISHA K E AISHA K E on Jan 18, 2012
    i thoroughly appreciate the advice and suggestions from mr. clark and the guy from woodbridge environmental. it really provided food for thought. now i can devise an effective . plan of action. i'll let you know how it goes. see you in the spring! and thanks again!
  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Sep 17, 2020

    Hi Aisha, we had an infestation of them last year. So frustrating and had to throw everything that wasn’t canned or in a sealed container out and completely clean and wipe every surface. We also bought sticky moth traps. Apparently, they have some kind of pheromone inside that attracts the moths and then they get stuck. We’ve also hung bay leaves in our pantry (my Mom’s advice) and that seems to work. They haven’t been back this year.