Pantry moths feed on stored food (like grains and cereals). If you’re not sure what type of bugs you’ve found, don’t worry, it’s not always clear what type they belong to. We have compiled the most effective and proven methods and products to fight against pantry moths.
What Causes Moths In Your Garage
Pantry moths live in pantry cupboards and are typically seen when the adult insect is flying around looking for a sexual partner.
Such moths can live in cereal boxes, old cornstarch, rice bowls, pasta boxes, and flour waste containers.
Signs of moth infestation include cocoon webs and worm-like larvae, in old dry food products stored in plastic containers.
Like most species of this insect, pantry moths are highly resistant to insecticides and will need to be removed manually, which involves a thorough cleaning of the place they are living in.
How To Get Rid Of Moths In Garage
If you have pantry moths in your garage, they are likely in other parts of the house, and the opposite might be true.
Because of that, we will suggest tips that apply widely so that you can identify these insects as soon as possible and get rid of them if they are causing trouble.
The first tips we will teach you involve how to identify where the pantry moths are and how to clean your garage and other rooms properly to eliminate larvae and make the environment less inviting for them.
1. Find The Moth’s Food Source
Find the food source for the moths. Look for larvae, which look like caterpillars or beetle larvae that are approximately 1/2 inch long and have five pairs of legs.
They can be in old food boxes, bags, plastic containers, and sealed packages.
They are typically light in color but can also be brown, pinkish, or greenish.
These insects also benefit from dried flowers, candy bowls, and pet food jars, so make sure you don’t leave any food sources unverified.
Likewise, discard any food you find with larvae and webs.
2. Look For Moths Cocoons and Cobwebs
Examine all cans and jars. Look for white cocoons between 0.6 and 0.9 cm in length under the containers and their lids and threads.
Look for cobwebs in crevices of pantry shelves, in the creases of portals, and food sources.
3. Cleaning Mixture To Scare Moths Away
Make a cleaning solution mixture using vinegar and water in the proportion of one cup of white wine vinegar and one cup of hot water in a bucket.
Wash any cans or jars that contain cobwebs using a sponge soaked in the vinegar and water solution.
4. Clean The Garage
Remove any paper from shelves. Next, vacuum the entire surface of the pantry, including the walls, railings, nail and screw holes, bases, and bottom.
Throw away any debris collected by the vacuum.
Wash all surfaces of the pantry with a sponge and the vinegar and water solution.
Pay special attention to any grooves and crevices in the pantry, lock holes, and hinges. These places are perfect for bug larvae to hide.
How To Keep Out Moths From Garage
Perhaps cleaning the way we suggested had little effect, or you are looking for a different solution. Luckily, there are other ways of dealing with pantry moths when they start to bother you.
Below, we will talk about natural repellents that won’t make the air of your house or garage unbreathable for anyone but the moths.
Cedarwood
Cedarwood might be advantageous when attempting to eradicate moths from your garage. It has a strong odor that repels insects, especially moths.
Cedar has unique pheromones that repel moths and other insects. You may use this by stuffing cedar into your garage to keep moths away.
Cedar may be used either in its natural state or as an extract. In any case, you will get the job done easily. Many individuals prefer the latter to natural cedar since it is more convenient.
To apply, just pour cedar oil into a spray bottle and sprinkle it about your garage.
Fragrant herbs
Many fragrant herbs are known to repel pantry moths and other inconvenient insects and bugs. Some herbs that will help you in the task include:
- rosemary
- thyme
- cloves
- lavender
- bay leaves
Put the herbs in a little cloth bag and put it where the moths are gathered. Alternatively, dilute the essential oils of the plants with water and delicately spritz the mixture.
Take care not to spill the oils on your clothes since this may result in discoloration.
Yellow Light Bulbs
It is a known fact that moths are attracted to light. However, they are attracted more to white light. So, if you want to keep your garage illuminated, go for yellow light bulbs.
Why Do I Have So Many Moths In My Garage?
Pantry moths (also known as Indian Meal moths) are a fairly common domestic pest that is often found in pantries and kitchen cabinets, as their name implies. If you have food stored in your garage, that is the reason.
Adult pantry moths lay their eggs in stored food, where the larvae eat after hatching.
Larvae of pantry moths feed on a range of goods, including grain, dried fruits, pet food, seeds, and spices.
For these pests to get into your garage, a few factors need to occur: first off, you live in a region where these bugs are abundant.
So, if you want to prevent pantry moths in your garage, you should learn whether they are common in your city.
If you find out that your city has pantry moths, you will want to keep your food well stored. It is common to store dog or cat food in the garage, and pantry moths go after that.
If your garage has easy access for outside insects, then that’s it: the bugs will find their way in and start nesting wherever they find suitable.
The same will be true for any other part of your house. So, for example, if your kitchen has badly stored food and insects can detect it from outside your house and get in, they will get in!
Luckily, pantry moths are not toxic and don’t carry any types of diseases.
Thus, when you learn that pantry moths have gotten into your garage and started multiplying, the only thing you need to do is get rid of them and look for ways of preventing them from getting in again.
How To Prevent Pantry Moths In Garage
It is nearly impossible to be 100% safe from the appearance of pantry moths in our garages because they are flying insects and can access any place.
But there are a series of recommendations that we can put into practice to prevent these from taking over areas of our homes and destroying food.
Keep the walls without cracks: if you have a porch or terrace area with cracks, you must seal them immediately to prevent moths from entering this area.
Moths are tiny in size and are capable of reaching the most difficult places.
Avoid dark areas: moths hate the light; therefore, try not to have totally dark areas at the garage through which they pass during the day, as these could be a source of infection.
Checking your luggage after a trip: We often like to blame external agents, but sometimes we carry moths inside our house without noticing.
Moths can take refuge anywhere in the suitcase or in the clothes that we bring from a trip, so make sure that everything is in order before you return home.
When Should You Get An Expert To Get Rid Of Moths
Sometimes we notice the moth infestation too late. If that is your case and you have already tried everything in this article, perhaps it is time to get an expert to do the job.
They might have to use toxic chemicals that only someone knowledgeable should use.
Don’t ever try to do such a thing by yourself. If our cleaning and natural herbs tips didn’t work out, now you should rely on the help of a professional.
Final Words About How To Get Rid Of Pantry Moths In Garage
Many people find moths beautiful insects, and the common moths only get into our garages and fly through the window soon after.
However, pantry moths are a pest that finds food and starts ruining it as soon as possible. Worse, they multiply and lay their eggs in the food. If you want to know how to get rid of pantry moths in the garage, there are some natural ways, such as cedarwood, cedar oil, and natural herbs.
