The food mothsthose annoying insects that infest ours dismissalthey can turn a flawless kitchen into a real nightmare. Preventing them is possible and one of the simplest and often most overlooked actions can make a big difference.
Find out how one regular and thorough cleaning of your kitchen shelves can save you from an unwanted infestation.
Why cleaning shelves is important
Food moths love the most hidden nooks and crannies of our furniture. Food scraps and other dirt can accumulate, creating the perfect habitat for these intruders. A daily gesture like the cleaning of shelves can prevent their appearance.
Make sure you aspire and wash all corners and surfaces with a detergent suited. This simple act removes food traces that attract moths, keeping your kitchen clean and safe.
Use of airtight containers
Another trick to prevent infestation is to store food in airtight containers. Prefer glass ones, which in addition to keeping food fresh, do not allow moths to enter.
Foods opened and left in their original packaging are an easy target for these insects.
Natural tricks to keep moths away
A very popular home remedy is the use of bay leaves. In fact, it seems that the smell of this ingredient keeps moths away. Arranging some leaves on the furniture and in the pantry can act as a natural deterrent, without resorting to chemicals.
Regular inspection of the pantry
Frequent inspection of your pantry allows you to detect early signs of infestation. Food moths often appear as butterflies or small caterpillars.
Identify one early outbreak allows you to intervene quickly and solve the problem before it spreads.
Don’t forget to also check opened packages of rice, pasta and cereals. These are moths’ favorite places to lay their eggs.
Use pheromone traps
The pheromone traps they are a valid aid for monitoring the presence of food moths. These traps attract and capture insects, allowing you to understand if more intervention is necessary.
The vacuum cleaner, your ally
A powerful weapon in the fight against food moths is the regular use ofvacuum. You can reach the most difficult corners of your cabinets, eliminating any possible hiding place for moths.
Remember to empty the vacuum cleaner bag often to prevent any eggs from hatching inside.
Homemade mixtures to prevent infestations
Another solution can be to prepare a mixture of corn flour and boric acid in the proportion of 1 to 3. Place it in an open container in critical points of your kitchen.
This method is effective at keeping moths away but must be used with caution, especially in homes with children and pets.
