Although they are not dangerous to human health, food moths become a “nightmare” when they proliferate inside the pantry, contaminating food. With a deep cleaning and a few precautions they can be removed and prevented.
Edited by Federica Palladini
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The moths that appear in the pantry are small flying insects that can become a real nightmare in the kitchen. Also known as the food moth or pasta moth, its scientific name is Plodia interpunctella and refers to the banded grain moth , a small insect that is not uncommon to find in your pantry, thus contaminating products such as flour , rice, pasta, biscuits. These moths, in fact, feed mainly on dry foods , especially cereals : when they settle inside the furniture they can quickly multiply , creating a population that is not always easy to eradicate. The life cycle of these parasites lasts about 6 weeks during which they lay microscopic eggs (up to 400): once hatched, the larvae begin to feed on the surrounding food . Remember that they are not toxic , so even if ingested by mistake they are not harmful to health: it is advisable to throw away the food to prevent further proliferation .
How do moths form in food? They usually arrive through open windows , attracted by the smell, settling in bags, boxes and other containers that are not hermetically sealed, or being present in packages purchased at the supermarket , which are therefore already compromised. They love humid environments and exposed to heat sources , such as those in the kitchen. Once you notice their appearance, it is essential to intervene immediately .
