2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
The appearance of small moths near food is a signal of a big problem. You have a food moth. Read about how to deal with moths and how to avoid these situations
What is food moth
An insect that lays larvae in cereals, groceries is called food moth. There are several types that are difficult for an amateur to distinguish - barn, cocoa, flour, mill. All of them are nondescript in color and, sitting on objects, with folded wings, are invisible. They differ from clothes moths in their habitat, since they never appear in closets with things and places for storing clothes.
The length of the butterfly's wings is 7-8 mm. The larvae are inactive and are in secluded places, crawling out only for pupation. Mating occurs on the second day after leaving the pupa. One female produces up to 160 eggs. In adults, there is no digestive system, so they do not eat anything. After the completion of the development cycle, they die within a week. The life stage of the moth is short: 1-1.5 months, this period includes 1-2 weeks of "maturation" of the larva.
The harm from food moths is quite significant, since foods affected by larvae are not suitable for nutrition. But for fur, woolen and other items of clothing / interior, it is not dangerous.
Where does the mole come from?
There are many sources of moths entering the apartment: it is brought from the store, penetrates through the ventilation from neighbors, flies through the window. Most often, we purchase contaminated cereals, flour and other groceries sold by weight. Warehouses with similar products are a favorite place for food moths. In sealed factory packaging, it is practically not found. Beware of buying cereals at discounted prices. Install screens on windows and ventilation in summer.
Where to look for a mole?
When moths appear, you need to find a place with larvae. Include kitchen and food storage areas in your search. Colonies of clutches are flour, sugar, cocoa, cereals. Often cocoons and larvae are found in dried fruits, nuts, cereals, breadcrumbs, sweets, cookies. Their presence is indicated by the cocoon's web. Lumps form in cereals and flour. There is a hole in the nut shell, a caterpillar in the core.
How to get rid of moths
Measures against moths should be carried out simultaneously: against larvae and adults. By the way, all methods have the same effect on the wardrobe and food variety. The control technique consists of several activities.
1. At the first stage, try to find the location of the larvae. This is the most time-consuming process, since you will need to sort through all the deposits of products. Start with cereals, dried fruits, nuts, cocoa and flour. If there is a lot of cereals and it’s a pity to throw it away, bake it in the oven, setting +60, timer 30 minutes.
2. It is possible to destroy larvae and cocoons using aerosols with insecticidal components, applying them to the surface of furniture and internal joints. Unfortunately, they do not guarantee 100% of the result, they are an auxiliary and preventive action. Preparations: Armol, Raptor from moth, Antimol, Combat. Moreover, they cannot be applied directly to the product, so they will not work on masonry.
3. Butterflies are easier - hang / spread fly sticky tapes. Buy moth traps. These devices will destroy the "flying producers".
Folk remedies for moths
You can safely fight moths using folk methods. In terms of effectiveness, they are not inferior to chemical preparations, we will consider the most popular.
• Garlic creates unacceptable living conditions for pests. Peeled and cut slices make moths leave their homes. Put in plastic lids, saucers "aromatherapy" and place in cabinets, shelves. You can put whole cloves in a bag with flour / cereals, its smell, groceries do not absorb.
• Lavender helps fight moths. These insects and larvae cannot tolerate its smell. Bags with dried herb and essential oil are applied, which is applied to a cotton pad, laid out in problem areas.
• Orange peels have a good effect, but they need to be changed regularly, as when they are dry, they stop emitting a citrus aroma.
• Mint is applied fresh and dry. Make small bundles, hang them where the moth flies.
• Potted rosemary or odorous geranium will protect your home from winged parasites.
• Forest grasses, dried and fresh, are excellent at expelling moths. Hang bouquets of wild rosemary, wormwood, tansy. They will help with both flies and bedbugs.
• Bay leaf is also unpleasant for moths and will scare them away. It is advisable to use fresh twigs, but dry leaves are also possible.
• Laundry soap with vinegar is considered the most effective and common way. Dissolve a little crushed soap, add essences. Wipe kitchen furniture with the resulting mixture daily.
• Camphor oil or alcohol is diluted with water 1: 1, applied to cotton pads and into the cabinet. When weathering, moisten again.
If you notice flying gray moths - take urgent action. Delaying moth control measures leads to large-scale problems.
Recommended:
Runny Food
The first weed, with which I undertook to fight on my 15 acres, was not prickly like a thistle, and not stinging like nettles. Its stem was transparent and juicy, the leaves were tender and pretty, and the root was very branchy, but easily removed from the soil. If I knew then that this is quite edible, and even a medicinal plant, it is possible that I would have treated it more favorably
How To Lay Tiles In A Wooden House
There is no more durable coating than ceramic tiles. This material is popular in city apartments and cottages. Today we will talk about the technology of the process of laying tiles on a plank floor and methods of cladding wooden walls
Which Stove Is Suitable For A Country House
A country house is simply unthinkable without a good stove. And if it is planned to live in it throughout the year, then even more so without a stove. The stove in the country house is not only a cozy decor element, but also performs a heating function. In short, it organically combines aesthetic appeal with practical functions. Stoves of various types help to heat the country house, but most often these are still wood stoves. The most common of these are Russian and Go
Construction Of A Wooden House
Construction of a wooden house - many summer residents choose this type of construction for their home. Any construction is difficult to call a simple matter, especially if you are going to build a house by your own efforts. However, at the same time, you will be able to independently plan all the nuances of your future summer cottage economy
How To Keep Food From Moth And Mildew
Food moth, grain moth - even if it does not eat a bag of buckwheat or oatmeal, it can spoil the product. The moth and its larva appear in dry bulk products during long-term storage. It is not very dangerous for health. But, you see, it is not pleasant to eat food with moths and worms. How can you protect yourself from this misfortune? There are ways, and quite simple
