You open your kitchen cabinet and notice tiny moths fluttering around your flour, rice, or cereal.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone pantry moths are one of the most frustrating kitchen pests to deal with.
The worst part? They keep coming back even after you think you’ve gotten rid of them.
So if you’re wondering how to get rid of pantry moths for good, this guide will show you exactly how — and how to keep them from ever returning.
What Are Pantry Moths and Where Do They Come From?
Pantry moths (scientifically known as Plodia interpunctella, or Indian meal moths) are small, beige brown insects that love dry food.
They usually enter your kitchen through infested food packages things like flour, rice, pasta, nuts, or even pet food.
Once inside, they lay hundreds of microscopic eggs that hatch into larvae, which feed on your dry goods. Over time, they spin silky webs and cause contamination making your food unusable.
Signs You Have Pantry Moths
You may have pantry moths if you notice:
- Small flying moths near your kitchen lights or pantry
- Silky webbing in jars, bags, or corners of your pantry
- Food that clumps together or smells musty
- Tiny larvae or cocoons inside dry food packaging
If you spot any of these, it’s time for a serious deep clean.
How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths for Good
Here’s a proven, step by step method to remove pantry moths completely — and keep them away.
Empty and Inspect Everything
Take everything out of your pantry — yes, everything.
Check every bag, jar, and box for larvae or webbing.
Throw away anything that looks contaminated, including opened food packages or suspicious grains.
Deep Clean Your Pantry
Wash every shelf, corner, and wall using warm soapy water.
Then spray or wipe down surfaces with white vinegar (you can mix it with a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil — both repel moths).
Don’t forget the small areas like hinges, shelf holes, and door seams.
Vacuum All the Nooks and Crannies
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove eggs and larvae from cracks, corners, and shelf joints.
Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately after cleaning to prevent reinfestation.
Store Food in Airtight Containers
Transfer all dry food to sealed glass or hard plastic containers.
Avoid paper or cardboard packaging — moths can chew through them easily.
Label your containers and check them regularly for any signs of activity.
Freeze or Heat Treat Dry Food
Place flour, rice, or cereals in the freezer for at least one week to kill any hidden eggs.
Alternatively, heat-treat items in the oven at low temperature (around 60°C / 140°F) for 30 minutes.
Use Pheromone Traps
These sticky traps attract male moths using natural pheromones, helping break the breeding cycle.
Place one or two traps in the pantry and replace them every few weeks.
Keep Monitoring
Even after cleaning, check your pantry weekly for a month.
Pantry moths can be stubborn consistency is key to getting rid of them for good.
How to Prevent Pantry Moths from Coming Back
Once you’ve eliminated them, prevention is the next battle.
Here’s how to make sure pantry moths never return:
- Always inspect new grocery items before storing.
- Clean your pantry monthly, even when it looks fine.
- Keep herbs like bay leaves or lavender inside food containers as natural repellents.
- Store pet food and grains in sealed bins.
- Avoid overstocking your pantry rotate items regularly.
Simple habits like these keep your food fresh and your kitchen pest-free.
Keep Your Pantry and Storage Spaces Pest-Free
Sometimes, it’s hard to deep-clean your pantry when it’s full of items and kitchenware.
If you’re planning a major cleaning, kitchen renovation, or decluttering, consider using a temporary storage unit to keep your items safe and organized.
At SpaceHub, you can store kitchen tools, containers, or household items in a clean, air conditioned, and pest free unit while you deep clean your home.
Here’s why many homeowners choose SpaceHub:
- 24/7 CCTV and personal PIN access
- Climate controlled and pest free environment
- Wide parking area and cargo lift for easy access
- Flexible unit sizes — from Tiny to Mighty
- Locations in Thamrin, Bendungan Hilir, Gajah Mada, and Daan Mogot
With SpaceHub, you can focus on restoring your kitchen’s hygiene, while keeping your belongings protected and spotless.
Imagine your apartment kitchen in Bendungan Hilir gets infested with pantry moths.
You need to empty your pantry and clean every corner, but you don’t have enough space to move everything elsewhere.
By renting a Tiny SpaceHub unit (starting from around IDR 400,000/month), you can temporarily store kitchenware, dry containers, and small appliances in a secure, air conditioned facility while you deep-clean.
Once your pantry is spotless, simply move everything back — fresh, organized, and pest free.
Pantry moths may be persistent, but with a proper cleaning plan and consistent prevention habits, you can eliminate them for good.
By keeping your pantry clean, sealing food properly, and using safe storage solutions like SpaceHub, your kitchen can stay fresh, hygienic, and pest-free all year long.
Need a clean, pest free place to store your kitchen items during a deep clean?
Rent a secure storage unit at SpaceHub Thamrin, Bendungan Hilir, Gajah Mada, or Daan Mogot — and enjoy the peace of mind of a moth free home.
