Especially at the end of the summer, the food is often affected by pests. Most of them are flour moths that can be found in packaged nuts, herbs, bags with legumes or in the flour. Anyone who had to struggle with the pests knows that there are also many other moths. But if you act quickly, you can remove the moths in the kitchen and save the non -infected supplies.
Where do the moths come from and how do you get into the kitchen? Most often the eggs and the nymphs are transported home with infected foods. In some cases, the insects also get into the house through windows and doors. In the kitchen, where the humidity is high, they findPestglays Optimal conditionsto multiply quickly.
Check the following foodsImmediately after purchase on signs of an infestation: grain (flour), finely ground spices, herbal teas, nuts, peas, beans, lentils, peanuts, soybeans, etc.
Power moths do not transmit diseases. However, eating foods in which the moths have taken their eggs can lead to stomach problems and allergic reactions. Therefore, you should definitely dispose of the affected supplies.
How you can prevent an infestation:
1. Only buy food that is airtight packaged. The packaging should also not have holes.
2. Check the stocks at home for signs of an infestation, transferred and airtight, store cool and dry.
3. When cooking every 30 minutes, ventilation. Keep the air humidity in the kitchen below 60 %.
4. Invest in insect protection for the windows. There are cheap protective blinds that are glued to the window frame. You can before mosquitoesFlying and protecting moths.
5. Alternatively, you can keep the moths away from the kitchen through certain fragrances. Lavender and tea tree oil have such a daunting effect. In the pantry you can still place chestnuts or cloves between the food.
6. Check regularly for signs of an infestation. Among other things, such are a clamp in the food. So you can save yourself the effort and time.
7. Use airtight containers made of glass, metal or plastic. The moths even find small holes in bags and can affect the food again.
8. If you cannot throw away the infected foods, you can put them in the freezer. Moths die at minus temperatures after 2-3 days.
9. Never use infected food! They are inedible and should definitely be disposed of.
10. If you want to prevent an infestation in the autumn months and save money at the same time, then you should change your shopping habits between September and November. Buy several times a week, but smaller quantities than usual. In the event of a possible infestation, you then have fewer foods in the pantry, you have to dispose of fewer products and you also save a lot of time and effort.
Fight moths in the kitchen step-by-step
However, if you react quickly and take certain protective measures at the first signs of an infestation, then you can save at least part of the food. Proceed as follows:
- Check all the food in the kitchen. You should throw away the supplies that are affected as soon as possible. It is best to dispose of them directly in a garbage can and not to the trash can at home.
- All foods that are not affected fill in airtight lockable containers and check on moths every two days.
- The cupboards where the affected foods are located, empty and thoroughly clean with soap water. Wipe the cupboards.
- It is best to suck out difficult -to -access areas between the kitchen cabinets.
- Various devices for steam cleaning also prove to be very helpful because they can quickly kill the insects.
- If adult insects are still flying in the kitchen, you can prevent another infestation with a simple home remedy. For this purpose, mix flour and backsoda in a ratio of 1 to 4. Put the mixture in a bowl and put it in the closet. The moths like to multiply in the flour, the eggs and the larvae cannot develop further in the backsoda.
These remedies help against moths and they can do the opposite!
Moth paperDoes not only help against clothing, but also against meal moths. The paper is soaked in a toxins and then slowly dry. The toxin is released andEliminates the moth infestation in cupboards. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer's information. The moth paper works best when it is placed in closed cupboards or drawers. Very important - the paper must never come directly in contact with food and all food in the respective cabinet should be airtight. It is best to empty the affected closet and put the paper there.
From the use ofPheromone trapsit is not advisable.These traps containA substance that only attracts male insects. At the same time, its surface is sticky, so that the moths stuck on it. However, you cannot eliminate an infestation. All the more - there is often a risk that moths will be attracted from the surrounding area and get into the kitchen through windows and doors.
The flour moths are not dangerous for humans and pets. However, since the affected foods have to be disposed of, an infestation is not only annoying, but also expensive.
