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What should I do if there are moths in the pantry?

By Gretel Morales - 2024-04-24T13:38:24Z
A well-organized kitchen is also a much more efficient space, where you can move easily and even save time if everything is in its place and well organized. In this regard, hygiene is also key. So, if you have come across moths in the pantry, don't worry, we will tell you what to do!You can also read: 10 kitchen cleaning tips for beginnersWhat should I do if there are moths in the pantry?Yes, we have all experienced the horror of opening the pantry and finding moths, or other types of insects, inside. It gets even worse when you find them inside jars, containers, or bags with food, as they must be thrown away. If you’ve had this bad luck, don’t worry, as the most important thing is to get rid of the moths in the pantry, to prevent them from continuing to spread and contaminating other products.  InspectionOnce you detect the presence of moths in your pantry or cupboard, the first thing you should do is inspect the area. It’s also important to check bags, packaging, containers, and jars of food.  If you see that there are moths inside bags of beans, rice, flour, and other products, you will need to throw them away. For these cases, it is recommended to put everything in a garbage bag and throw it away immediately. If you have the garbage can in your yard, place it there while you dispose of it.  Look for cobwebsThe portal The Spruce points out that we must tackle the problem at its root, which is why it is very important to thoroughly check your pantry. You should look for a cobweb, and if there is one, it is also possible that you will find the moth larvae.  Once you detect the cobwebs, put on some gloves, remove it, and place it in a bag. Seal it tightly and throw it away immediately.  Read more: How to clean the grime off your walls?Time to clean!Once you have disposed of the contaminated ingredients and the cobwebs, you will need to clean all the cans and sealed bags that have not been contaminated by the moths.  In this case, remember that you can use a diluted bleach solution. According to the CDC, we should combine “5 tablespoons (1/3) of bleach per gallon of room temperature water.” This way, you will eliminate any trace of dirt, dust, and bacteria.  On the other hand, remember that it is essential to take everything out of the pantry and clean all containers, shelves, and every corner with soap and the bleach mixture. Additionally, some specialized sources recommend using a vacuum cleaner.  Organize your pantryOnce you have thrown away the contaminated food and cleaned everything, it will be time to rearrange your pantry again.  Here it is very important that you carefully check each package and bag before storing them again. If possible, transfer ingredients like flour, pasta, legumes, and cereals to airtight containers. Keep an eye out!The best way to prevent moths and other insects from invading your pantry is to stay vigilant, regularly organize everything, and clean constantly. This way, you will detect their presence in time and prevent them from spreading throughout your pantry.  Now that you know these 5 steps to get rid of moths, don't hesitate to put them to the test and prevent them from invading your kitchen. What do you think? See also: Natural kitchen cleaning with vinegar, baking soda, and hot water