How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths Naturally: My DIY Repellent Recipe

I wish my pantry looked like this photo. But it does not. Maybe if it did, I wouldn't have pantry moths. LOL. 

I am switching my blog format a bit because I no longer have time to write my in-depth articles on heavy subject matter. Plus, I wasn't sure anyone was finding them useful so I am now writing about things that I have incorporated into my life that I have found useful. These hacks revolve around sustainable solutions and hacks to make your life easier.

UGH Getting Rid Of Indianmeal Moths

We’ve all been there – I opened my bag of rice, expecting to make dinner, only to be greeted by dreaded white webs and moths flying out. My heart sank. The panic set in as I realized my pantry might be under attack by these pesky pantry moths. After tossing the bag of rice (bitterly), I knew I had to inspect the rest of my pantry for signs of these unwanted visitors.

I had glue traps on every shelf, which helped catch some moths. But  they’re kind of gross and inhumane. Little moths stuck in glue, struggling to fly away. More importantly, they weren’t repelling the moths or preventing them from getting into my food. I wanted something that would actually keep them away for good. So, I decided to try a natural solution, and it seems to be working!

But first, let me share how I managed the food they’d already gotten into.

Freezing Food to Kill Larvae

When I discovered the infestation, I knew I had to toss anything that showed signs of webs or larvae. However, some of my expensive organic grains and rice looked salvageable. Rather than throw them out, I decided to freeze them. It sounds gross – who wants to think about possibly eating larvae? But I couldn’t justify tossing perfectly good food over something that could be fixed.

Freezing infested food kills the larvae. So, after a couple of days in the freezer, I felt comfortable using the food again. And hey, insects were a staple food source for our ancestors, right? A little protein boost never hurt anyone (though I’d still rather not think about it too much!).

Now, with the infestation somewhat under control, it was time to tackle the root of the problem – and figure out how to keep those moths from coming back.

The Problem with Glue Traps

While glue traps did catch a lot of moths, they weren’t a complete solution. For one, they’re pretty gross to look at, especially when they’re full of moths. Secondly, they only trap the moths after they’re already flying around your pantry. What I needed was something that would prevent the moths from getting there in the first place.

I wanted a way to repel the moths naturally, without using harsh chemicals. That’s when I turned to essential oils and created a DIY pantry moth repellent spray.

My Natural Pantry Moth Repellent Recipe

After a little research, I learned that pantry moths are repelled by strong scents like lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and cedarwood. So, I put together a simple DIY spray that I now use regularly to keep the moths away – and it’s been working! I spray the doors of my cabinets with this spray most mornings and havne't had any issues since.

Here’s the recipe I use:

Ingredients:

• 15-20 drops of essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, or cedarwood are all great options)
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
• A spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Mix the water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Add 15-20 drops of your chosen essential oil (or a combination of oils).
3. Shake the bottle to mix everything together.
4. Spray the mixture liberally on pantry shelves, in the corners, and around the pantry doors. You can also spray it on the outside of food containers (just make sure they’re sealed tightly).
5. For an extra layer of protection, soak a few cotton balls in essential oil and place them in the corners of your pantry or on the shelves.

I reapply the spray every few weeks, especially after cleaning my pantry. Not only does it repel pantry moths, but it also leaves the pantry smelling fresh and clean – a much better alternative to the gross glue traps!

Ongoing Prevention Tips

In addition to using my natural repellent spray, here are a few other tips to keep pantry moths at bay:

1. Freeze Food to Kill Larvae: If you suspect any food could be infested, pop it in the freezer for a few days to kill off any larvae. This is especially helpful for grains, flour, and rice.

2. Use Airtight Containers: Store all your food in airtight containers. Glass or hard plastic is best because it prevents moths from getting in, even if they try.

3. Clean Regularly: Regularly wipe down your shelves, vacuum the corners, and check for any signs of moths. Keeping the pantry clean is key to stopping an infestation before it starts.

4. Rotate Your Traps: If you still want to use glue traps, change them out regularly to keep things under control. They can help catch any stray moths that manage to sneak in.

Conclusion

Dealing with pantry moths can be incredibly frustrating, but it doesn’t have to involve throwing out all your food or using harsh chemicals. With a combination of freezing food, regular cleaning, and using a natural repellent spray, I’ve been able to keep the moths under control – and my pantry has never smelled better!

If you’re dealing with a pantry moth problem, give this DIY repellent a try. It’s natural, effective, and much less gross than dealing with sticky traps filled with moths!

Photo by Taryn Elliott