Pantry and clothes moths have a habit of sneaking into homes. These pests can contaminate food products and damage household items. To help prevent and eliminate an infestation, you need to know why they’re in your house. We’ve made a list of things that could attract moths to your home.
What Attracts Pantry Moths?
Pantry moths are often unknowingly brought into houses on infested food items. Once inside your house, they breed causing infestations. These moths can also make their way inside your home through cracks or openings. Check out a few things that attract pantry moths.
Stored Food Items
Stored food items are the main thing that lures pantry moths to your home. Adult moths lay eggs in these ingredients so their larvae will have a food source when they hatch. These moths are attracted to grain-based products. Pantry moths have a great sense of smell, and they’ll follow the scent of food right into your house.
Here’s a list of food items pantry moths enjoy:
- Cereal
- Oats
- Flour
- Pasta
- Rice
- Nuts
- Dried Fruit
- Spices
Pet Food
Pantry moths will also target your furry family member’s food. They are attracted to dry dog food and dog treats. It’s important to pick up your pet’s food bowl when they are finished eating. Storing it in a container with a lid can also help to keep these pests out.
Light
Lights can also attract pantry moths. They use both exterior and interior lighting to help navigate to your home. They slip inside through open doors and windows. Pantry moths are small and can fit into cracks and gaps too.
What Attracts Clothes Moths?
Another moth to be aware of is the clothes moth. Their larvae feed on fabric, leaving behind holes. Like pantry moths, they’re often brought into homes. When they don’t hitchhike on used clothing and furniture, they can still make their way inside on their own. Check out what items in your home could attract clothes moths.
Fabrics
Fabric is the number one attractant of clothes moths. Larvae feed on natural fibers including silk, fur, and wool. They’re known to chew on fabric items like carpet, rugs, curtains, and upholstered furniture. They may also leave behind silk webbing.
Dirty Clothes
These moths will also feed on clothes. They’re attracted to dirty clothes containing traces of sweat or pieces with stains. Larvae can receive nutrients they need from the sweat or stains. Keeping your items clean and in sealed bins or garment bags can help prevent moth activity.
Closet Clutter
The more places a moth can hide, the happier they will be. Closets filled with clutter offer several hiding spots for clothes moths. It also gives them more options for feeding. These moths will hide in the corners and in between clothes in closets and wardrobes.
Dark & Warm Spaces
Unlike pantry moths, clothes moths aren’t attracted to light. They prefer environments that are dark and warm. That’s why homes, especially closets and wardrobes, are the perfect place for them to hide.
Knowing what’s attracting moths to your home is the first step in preventing an infestation. To help get rid of pantry moths, try placing Pantry Moth Traps in your cabinets. They will attract and kill adult pantry moths and their larvae. If moths and other pests are giving you a fit, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.