Food moths in the kitchen: where is the source?
Check dry food supplies, including forgotten products and pet food. Discard affected food, clean the cupboard and seal unaffected supplies securely. A moth on the wall does not necessarily come from the nearest package.
Check products one by one
Check flour, grains, nuts and other dry products for larvae and webbing. Also inspect old or rarely used supplies. Not every larva in the home is a stored-product moth: identification is useful if you are unsure.
Remove products from the cupboard in an organised way and prevent suspect packages from being put back among new supplies.
Remove affected food and clean storage areas
Discard affected products. Clean corners, seams and shelves in the pantry before returning the remaining products.
Store suitable dry products in securely sealed containers. Keep packaging information with products when needed, for example for food safety in a business.
Why do you still see moths afterwards?
A source may have been missed. Larvae can also crawl away from food, so the location of a sighting does not directly indicate the source.
Keep inspecting and record new sightings. Catching adult moths alone does not remove affected supplies.
For hospitality businesses and commercial storage
Also check deliveries and returned goods. Coordinate measures with those responsible for stock, cleaning and waste.
Discuss recurring activity with an expert. In a food business, take account of your own food safety plan and do not use pesticides in or on food.
Frequently asked questions
Sources and further information
General information, not a diagnosis for your location. Have the species identified if in doubt. Consult a healthcare professional about health symptoms and do not use pesticides without appropriate instructions.
Further reading
Help for your business
RBL Services helps business clients in Noord-Holland, Utrecht, Zuid-Holland and Flevoland. Discuss an inspection for your business premises, kitchen, production site or homeowners’ association.
Pest control for hospitality businesses in Amsterdam →
Business pest management →