Moth Identification & Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions About Moths

What are moths?

Moths are flying insects that are mostly active at night. These pests stem from the order Lepidoptera, which translates to "scaly-winged" in Latin. Although there are thousands of moth species found around the world, only a few pose any real threat to people or property. Indian meal moths and Angoumois grain moths are two such examples.

You can identify Indian meal moths by their brown and tan wings and pale, brown-headed larvae. These pests typically fold their wings and blend into shady environments, making it harder to catch sight of them around your home or business.

Angoumois grain moths are somewhat smaller than Indian meal moths, and are generally found in commercial environments near silos, granaries, and warehouses. You can identify their larvae by their brown heads and white bodies, which are the primary pest stage of these flying insects. 

Are moths dangerous?

Moths cannot bite, sting, or attack humans physically. However, they can create an overwhelming amount of damage to dried grains, cereals, and wheat. The larval stage of pest moths can eat several times their own body weight, while females can lay up to 400 eggs in food stores around the home or business. It doesn’t take much for a single pair of moths to establish a difficult infestation.

Keep in mind that pest moths in the Cincinnati area don’t always target foodstuffs. Some species are known to attack other household goods like clothing, cardboard, and curtains. Moths have been known to destroy prized heirlooms and other fabric keepsakes such as dresses or ties, which is one of the many reasons why pantry pest control is so important in Cincinnati.

Why do I have a moth problem?

Moths are strongly attracted to properties with an abundance of food and water. However, it’s more likely these pests were introduced to your home through accidental exposure. You may have purchased a contaminated bag of flour or rice that incubated tiny eggs. You may also have vulnerable access points around your property, including holes in screens or cracks near windows.

Where will I find moths?

Since moths are nocturnal and somewhat difficult to spot, it can be hard to identify a moth infestation around your Cincinnati property. However, you can still hunt around suspect areas to find telling signs of their presence. It’s best to start with these areas:

• Kitchens: You can likely find larvae moth activity near kitchen pantries, cabinets, or cupboards. Look for tiny holes in paper bags or accumulations of silk spun by larvae in dark corners, all of which will alert you to their presence. 
• Basement pantry: If you have a larger food storage area in damp areas like your basement, look around for signs of activity such as adult moths flitting about. It’s a good idea to inspect open bags of grain and check for moth activity or signs of moths in various stages of the life cycle. 
• Garages: Contrary to popular belief, moths can and will resort to bird seed and pet food when pressed for food. Check out dry dog food bags and inspect bird seed containers for any telling moth activity. 

Not sure if what you’re seeing points to a pantry pest infestation? Contact Arab Termite and Pest for a thorough inspection.

How do I get rid of moths?

By the time you’ve seen an adult pantry moth, it’s likely too late to implement preventive steps and stop the coming infestation. However, professional treatments from knowledgeable providers are an excellent way to stem the coming tide.

The experts at Arab Termite and Pest are experienced and trained professional providers, capable of providing state-of-the-art moth control to properties all over Cincinnati. We’re intimately familiar with pantry pests and possess years of experience in getting them out. We also believe in using every tool at our disposal to restore your residential or commercial property.

Contact Arab Termite and Pest today for moth and home pest control in Cincinnati. 

How can I prevent moths in the future?

It’s not always possible to avoid moths completely, especially when purchasing food from local grocery stores. That said, following best practices and implementing prevention tips can protect your property well into the future.

Here are some tactics to try:

• Check your packages of grain, rice, and cereal for the most common signs of moth activity. 
• Throw away dry foods that are past their expiration dates, including flour and whole grains. 
• Keep a tight lid on bird seeds, dog food, and other dried animal feeds. 
• Caulk and seal any cracks and crevices around your home with waterproof materials. 
• Replace window and door screens if able to prevent moths from flying inside.