Preventing Pantry Pests

April 10th, 2009 Posted in Pantry & Linen Pests



Pantry pests are insects that infest foods traditionally kept in a pantry such as grains, flour and sugars. They also infest pet food and bird seed. Pantry pests ruin your food by damaging it with their bodies and by-products.

This article will highlight some common pantry pests and what they eat and will outline specific steps to prevent and control infestations.




Common Pantry Pests

The most common types of pantry pests are moths and beetles.

Indian meal moths

  • One of the most common pantry pests found in homes.

  • Often start infestations in pet food and bird seed.

  • Ruin food by laying eggs on whole grains, coarse flour and dried fruits.

  • Are ½ inch long and appear dirty white and gray.

Multiply when the females start mating by attracting the males with a special sex pheromone that only the male moths can smell.


Flour Beetles

Ruin food by feeding on flour, cracked grains, cake mixes, beans, peas, dried fruits, chocolate, tobacco and spices.

  • Two main types: the red flour beetle and the confused flour beetle.

  • Rely on other insects to damage food before they eat.



Sawtoothed Grain Beetles

Ruin food by feeding on refined products like cereals, oatmeal, dried fruits, nuts, sugar, chocolate and macaroni.

  • Are ¼ inch long small beetles that have a reddish brown color.

  • Good at breaking into unopened food products.

  • Females lay eggs that turn into white larvae once they find food.




Prevent Infestations

Preventing pantry pests requires a few simple precautions:

  • Check the seal on your food products before you bring them home from the store.

    • Many infestations start from infected food that is brought into the home.

  • Store food in tightly closed food containers.

  • Keep kitchen cabinets clean and free of any food debris, such as spills of sugar or flour in the corners of cabinets.

  • Seal susceptible food (products that have been opened) in resealable plastic containers.

  • Clean area where you store pet food or birds seeds.

  • Order your food items so you use the oldest first.
    • You don’t want two half-opened bags of flour tempting those pesky critters.

Do not overstock your pantry with foods that will not be used in a reasonable amount of time (2 to 4 months).




Controlling Infestations

Once you have noticed that there are moths or beetles in your kitchen, the first step is to locate the source of the infestation. Search your pantry and all food packages to find the infestation source and quickly dispose of it outside your house.

Next, check all the other food to make sure it is not infected. If the infestation has spread to more than one food product, then you’ll have to take additional steps to rid yourself of pantry pests, because you most likely have a more serious infestation.

Steps to Eliminate Serious Infestations:

  1. Carefully inspect and throw away all infected food in your pantry.

    • Signs of infected food besides the insects themselves include: webbing in tight places of a package or tiny holes in the container.

  2. Empty out your pantry of all food products.

  3. Vacuum all corners and crevices to get rid of eggs and larvae.

  4. Wash shelves with soap and water.

  5. Use the proper trap and insecticide to make sure infestation doesn’t come back.




Pantry Pest Traps and Insecticides

Pheromone Traps

These traps replicate the sex pheromone secreted by female Indian meal moths in order to catch the male moths. The male moths are attracted by the scent, then get stuck in the trap. Pheromone traps are most effective after an infestation has been disposed of to make sure you catch any remaining moths that may be in your house.

Make sure to check your food packages again if you do catch moths in the traps after you have rid yourself of an infestation. The traps are usually effective for 3 months and can be found in retail stores.

*NOTE – These traps will not catch beetles or female Indian meal moths.

Organic Insecticide

EcoSMART’s Home Pest Control is a great option for use in the corners of cupboards after you have removed all food from your pantry and have vacuumed it out. An organic insecticide will help prevent infestation by killing any eggs or larvae in the corners. This is the best option for fighting pantry pests, because it is made from organic plant oils that naturally kill bugs. The organic plant oils formula makes it safer to spray in sensitive areas.

By Trevor Burke



organic pest control


  1. 55 Comments | The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 12/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers!

  2. By Julie on Apr 10, 2009

    Great advice about not keeping food you won’t use in 2-3 months. How many of us have things that lie around for months inviting critters!!

  3. By EcoSMART Kara on Apr 11, 2009

    So true, Julie. Guess that’s what spring cleaning is for!

  4. By Melissa on Apr 13, 2009

    I like that I can spray the insecticide in my pantry where food will go back in after… that’s always one of my biggest fears after using an insecticide, I usually feel like I then have to go back and “clean” off the insecticide so my family is safe!

  5. By suzanne on Apr 13, 2009

    We have fought with ants in our pantry a few times, We never wanted to use insecticides beacause of all the side effects, and so we threw away quite a lot of flour and sugar….
    Can’t wait to try this product and start breathing better when I see a critter ……

  6. By Patty on Apr 14, 2009

    I live in a small apartment in a medium sized building. While I keep my apartment clean, I have little control over the bugs coming from others’ apartments. I found using containers which guarantee to seal airtight work best. Unfortunately, tiny bugs can get under the rims of some non-sealing containers!

  7. By EcoSMART Kara on Apr 15, 2009

    Aren’t you excited not to have to “undo” all the spraying, Melissa? Good luck!

  8. By EcoSMART Kara on Apr 15, 2009

    Suzanne, it’s such a waste, isn’t it? Indian Meal Moths were a culprit in my pantry – seems like they get into everything!

  9. By EcoSMART Kara on Apr 15, 2009

    Thanks for the tip, Patty!

  10. By Jason Hess on Apr 16, 2009

    Great blog.

  11. By Heather on Apr 22, 2009

    Great advise, I’ll be sure to go look in my pantry as soon as I get home.

  12. By Tynwia on Apr 23, 2009

    Wow I cannot wait to try this. I wash out my cupboard once a month after I found moths in my kids cereal boxes! Ugh. I now use glass jars to keep everything in. They are clear so I can see without opening if anything has crawled in there on the sly. Most of the jars are reused pickle, or spaghetti sauce jars, some are canning jars.

  13. By jennifer on Apr 24, 2009

    We get ants every year in our food, closets,bathroom, even in my kids beds. So I spray and clean with very strong chemicals to get rid of them and my kids have a hard time breathing. Its nice to hear that there is something out there that will actually work that isnt so strong.

  14. By EcoSMART Kara on Apr 27, 2009

    Glad you like it, Jason Hess!

  15. By EcoSMART Kara on Apr 27, 2009

    Let us know how the pantry make over goes, Heather!

  16. By EcoSMART Kara on Apr 27, 2009

    Tynwia, that’s a great sustainable tip – reusing jars. Thanks for sharing!

  17. By EcoSMART Kara on Apr 27, 2009

    Jennifer, your kids won’t have any trouble breathing with EcoSMART!

  18. By margaret nugent on Apr 27, 2009

    with this product you don’t have to worry about your kids or pest and looks like it is very reliable

  19. By margaret nugent on Apr 27, 2009

    i’m excited!!!!!!!!!!!

  20. By EcoSMART Kara on Apr 27, 2009

    Margaret Nugent, glad you’re excited!

  21. By Mike on May 12, 2009

    Caulking the inside edges along the floor and using a door sweep (in a walk-in pantry) can help, too.

  22. By EcoSMART Kara on May 13, 2009

    Thanks for the tip, Mike!

  23. By Jai on May 20, 2009

    Yesterday night, I decided to spray a well known chemical spray on the baseboards of my kitchen. We had to move to this older duplex because we were stationed in a new town. I had a dream last night that something happened to my cat and my toddler involving the spray, so in fear, I got up the very next morning, and washed the baseboards. I am too chicken to even try spraying around/inside the pantry. I discovered this site as a recommendation from a blog about green living. I am anxious to try a product knowing my old cat and little toddler, and my pregnant self could be so much safer.

  24. By EcoSMART Kara on May 21, 2009

    Jai, sorry about that scare – what a good mother you are!

    Which blog mentioned us? I’d love to check it out!

  25. By R. McKnight on Jun 5, 2009

    This caught my attention. I’ve been trying to figure out how to get rid of our moths without using toxins around our foodstuffs. This sounds like the perfect solution.

  26. By EcoSMART Kara on Jun 10, 2009

    Aren’t the moths frustrating? It’s definitely worth checking out so you can keep your food safe!

  27. By Susan on Jul 6, 2009

    I finally figured out what the little critters were, thanks to your article. Good ideas for getting rid of them! Thanks!

  28. By Robyn on Jul 7, 2009

    How do i know this stuff will work for indian meal moths-its not boric acid? I found an infestation in food i bought from Petsmart from Purina. They hatched from a sealed bag 2 months later in my pet container. I am freaked out now that even though I disposed of the dog food immediately and cleansed the container that some egg laying moths might have gotten out and infested my pantry even though its only been 4 days. Help!

  29. By EcoSMART Kara on Jul 9, 2009

    Try our home pest control, Robyn. It’s safe and effective. We had Indian meal moths in my home years ago – all we did was lots of cleaning and eventually got rid of them. Cleaning is key. Good luck!

  30. By Alex Green on Jul 9, 2009

    I appreciated the comments by Jai because I have the same concerns. I use tabacco tea for outside sprayingbut have been deluged by weevils in my kitchen, I’m anxious to try some pest control that is green and will works !!

  31. By Diane Rehman on Jul 12, 2009

    I’m definitely looking for something “friendly” that will solve my pest problems. We use a lot of spices from Indian markets and these pests have taken over my kitchen! This sounds like a safe method.

  32. By Victoria on Jul 17, 2009

    As both of my sons have had increasing health issues(including chronic sinus infections, asthma, headaches and GI issues), my husband and I have spent an enormous amount of time removing carpet, having vents cleaned, using appropriate air filters, discarding any plastics in the kitchen that may release toxins, and much more. Not until recently did I start researching household chemicals. Never did it cross my mind that the pesticide we have used every spring/summer to attempt to put an end to an Indian Meal Moth problem that has been on going for 3 years now could be seriously contributing to their health issues. I cannot wait to try this product!

  33. By CHearn on Sep 2, 2009

    I bought Purina dog food from Costco and found moths in it (and moth eggs webbed between bits of dog food). Before i knew it was infested, I separated part of the food in to a rubbermaid container, and left part of the food in the original store bag. Within a few weeks, I noticed moths flying around inside the rubbbermaid container. I thought I could just get rid of them by putting the container outside to let the moths out, and tossing out all the “eggs.” Unfortunately, it did not dawn on me that there were probably more moths in the original store bag. So, when I came home from work, I found HUNDREDS of moths all over my walls, in the food bag, and everywhere. Last night I killed 157 moths with my shoe. I had nightmares about the surviving moths all night, and it’s all I can think about at work today. One flew at my ear, and I just can’t imagine killing more tonight when I get home. Is there an organic way to get rid of these moths for good? I want an organic moth bomb. :(

  34. By Melissa on Oct 11, 2009

    I’ve been cleaning my pantry all day. I found tiny black bugs in my pantry. In cereal, noodles, dog biscuits… I’ve been reading all diferent advice on the Internet. Some say to use bleach, others say not to. At this point I’ve moved all food out except cans. The food I kept is in my freezer. I’m interested in this product.

  35. By Carolina on Oct 16, 2009

    I just found carpet beetles in my closet, and I think they ate fur in one coat. Then i found a lot more in the basement in a flour bag. I’m doing deep cleaning of all the food and grains, but I’m concernd they’ll be back if they got between the walls to get to my bedroom. Will the home pest control control this pest problem? I’ll love to try it since I’m so concerned about pesticides all over my house because of my family safety.

  36. By Caroline Espindola on Oct 20, 2009

    I have been bothered with moths and little black bugs have totally emptied my entire pantry into the trash have washed out the pantry didn’t think about useing the vacum i i am very interested in this product

  37. By shirley hofer on Oct 24, 2009

    I am very interested in finding something to permanently get rid of the small moth like bugs in my pantry. I have tried alot of products with no success . I do keep everything in plastic zip bags now and that is helping. I also have big black ants in my walls. Yech!

  38. By Wilma Trovillion on Oct 24, 2009

    Would love to try the product in my pantry. I get moths at least twice a year. Also ants are a problem at times.

  39. By Wilma Trovillion on Oct 24, 2009

    Love the website and information. Would love to try the products

  40. By Christine Pasmore on Oct 24, 2009

    We’ve had recurring problems with those darn moths. We clean, they eventually come back. I have been too afraid to use pesticides because of food contamination and the safety of our dogs. This sounds like a perfect solution!

  41. By kathleen o'shea on Oct 25, 2009

    i have had a problem with the moths in my birdseed. There were so many and they go up to the top of the wall at the ceiling and make an ugly webbed place, where I imagine they lay eggs, or hibernate or something and a broom will not sweep them down. I cannot get up there and there are tons of these little web homes that look nasty. The worst part is the loss of seed and food for my cockatoo and cockatiel. You know you have to use really safe stuff around them. Where exactly would you spray to really solve the problem? It sounds like these would be the products to use.The moths fly all around the rooms. Are we after the moths themselves or the larva to really get rid of them?

  42. By vanessa on Oct 26, 2009

    We have been infested with pantry moths and did the tossing of eveything that could be infected, vacuumed and washed down with soap and water…they still appear even with the traps set out…have had to put everything in the freezer that i bring home..would love to see if this product can help my family once and for all!!

  43. By Christine on Nov 7, 2009

    Pantry pests what a pain. We’ve got what my gram always called “Millers”. They are like a moth, they get into everything not good and sealed or in a good fitting container. I’ve had them get into sealed packages of pasta. I’d love to try a safe product to use around my pantry products. Thanks christine

  44. By Ang K on Nov 7, 2009

    We had an infestation of pantry bugs over a year ago that came from a bag of dog treats. It took us a while to locate the problem (since I kept the treats in a cupboard) and there were hundreds by then. I vacummed them all up, cleaned out the cupboard, got rid of all the dog foods. It seemed to take care of the problem for a while. Recently we’ve been finding single bugs in random places – hallway, bathroom, kitchen. My son started seeing them nightly in his bedroom and I found a small infestation in his room (eating some cheerios underneath his mattress. Sigh.) But, even after clearing up that infestation we’re still finding bugs in various places. We’ve looked everywhere we can think of but can’t find another infestation. Maybe they escaped from a recent bag of dog food? I’m glad I found this sight because we need something that will be safe for our son and pets so I think this is just what we need!

  45. By Eliza on Nov 9, 2009

    This is something I definitely need. I hate these pests!

  46. By bcbrady on Nov 22, 2009

    We’ve had an issue with the moths for the last 2 years. We thought that we had gotten rid of everything and have put all food in sealed containers but I just took down a new box of cereal from the top of the pantry and there were bugs in it! How in the world do bugs get into brand new factory sealed products? I would love some help with a product that won’t be harmful to my family! Thanks!

  47. By kris on Nov 24, 2009

    I stayed up late cleaning out our pantry after seeing a little black bug in the cereal. They were completely infested in the bread crumbs! They can crawl thru the tiny cracks in our wooden shelves too. I would love to try a safe non-toxic product to put an end to this!

  48. By Karen Mallory on Dec 26, 2009

    My mother has a small bug infestation in her kitchen. I am not sure the name of these small bugs, they get into flour, crackers, oatmeal, and many other dry goods. I have tried using the harsh sprays like rais and what not, but i have yet to get them under control for her. I have faith that your product will kill the bugs but not harm the other animals in the house.

  49. By Sue on Dec 27, 2009

    I recently found tiny black bugs in my pantry. They had eaten their way into pasta bags, a bag of chocolate chips and other items. I took everything out of the pantry and sprayed with ant and roach spray (all I had), waited a few days and returned the items to the pantry. A few days later they were back, but not on all shelves (and they weren’t on the top shelf at all even in the beginning, and that’s where I store my cereal). The bugs are about 1/8″ long and have no distinguishable head or antennae. Will this product kill/prevent them? I appreciate your advice about storage and only buying what will be used in a short time; I will implement those ASAP.

  50. By Claudia on Nov 4, 2010

    I found black bugs first in a package of taco shells. Before long they had infested my whole pantry. After cleaning they seem to come right back. I noticed them on the blinds in my kitchen and sprayed the blinds with the Ecosmart spray and the bugs fell like crazy. I am anxious to try cleaning out the pantry again and spraying it with the EcoSMART spray to see if I can get rid of them.

  51. By marys on Nov 6, 2010

    i have discovered bugs in my mac n cheese by cooking it for my son!!! they floated to the topof the water… i have been told they are “pantry bugs”??? i’ve never heard of such things so i googled it and came to your website with invaluable information!!!

    i will be trying your spray product on my pantry after i throw away all the food not in cans or jars, andx let u know how it goes!!

    thank you so much,
    Mary S.

  52. By Manhattan Mold removal on Feb 2, 2011

    Absolutely right on that.The female bugs lay eggs and multiply the infestation and it is hard to get rid of them,I think schedules cleaning can keep the kitchen safe and clean.When the matter of cleaning goes out of hand there are professionals who can help.

  53. By Judith Blum on Jun 7, 2011

    I have found these in my kitchen and in several other places. They are drivi;ng me crazy, I would love to try the Eco proudts and I will clean again and get ride of any food items and start with your EcoSmart. Will let you know how its workes. Thanks for the web info and all the comments.Jablum

  54. By Ali on Aug 13, 2011

    I’ve just found little beetles (I think) in most of the cardboard boxes in my pantry. With two little toddlers running around my house, this infestation is driving me nuts! I would love to try your product to see if an organic pesticide will work with these critters.

  55. By stephanie on Aug 25, 2011

    i’ve been fighting some kind of pantry pests for the last month. all i know is they aren’t moths and they aren’t beetles. they came in a box of rice-a-roni. since then i’ve thrown out everything that isn’t in a can. i’ve cleaned and vacuumed. i’ve used the foggers twice, with some success and i’m using ant and roach spray now, although i am a little worried about using it around my food. i was seeing about 10 a day. now i’m seeing about 1 or 2 a day, but that is still too many. i just want them gone.

  56. By Sussanna on Sep 23, 2011

    After reading this, I am sure our problem is the indian meal worm from pet food. Nice to know, and will be off to the store to get stuff to treat it NOW!

55 Comments | The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 12/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers! (details)