Eliminating a Larvae Infestation

From discovering larvae on the ceiling in the kitchen to finding larvae crawling on walls and cupboard shelves, an infestation of larvae can be a nightmare. Infestations thrive because these small critters are light, quick, and can travel between places looking for food.

To successfully eliminate a larvae infestation, it is important to understand what kind of larvae have invaded your home and where they’re likely coming from. Many larvae, like those of the flour beetle and Indian meal moth, feed on grains, grain products, nuts, dried fruits, and other dried plant materials. These pests are easily brought home in such products as rice, barley, wheat, breakfast cereals, and other similar items.

To get rid of a larvae infestation, the first step is to check all of your grain products for infestation. Discard any infested food. It’s also important to store grain products in airtight containers or freeze them. This will prevent future infestations.

The next step is to thoroughly clean out your pantry, which often involves spraying all nooks, crannies, and crevices with insecticide spray and closing the door for several hours to let the spray take effect. Once that’s done, it’s important to scrub the interior of the pantry cabinets before replacing the food.

Though the insecticide spray will kill the larvae and adults, it won’t kill the eggs or pupae, so it may take several treatments to completely eliminate the infestation. That’s why it’s important to be persistent and continue to address the problem until it is completely resolved.

Pantry moth traps are also helpful in eliminating pantry moth infestations, as they capture both the male and female moths. When purchasing traps, make sure they offer the best coverage and attractive odor to the target larvae.

It is also important to practice ongoing monitoring and inspection in the kitchen and food storage areas, every six to twelve months when you do spring and fall cleaning. Inspect all food products for larval skins shed and left in stored and unopened grain products. If you’re suspecting a larvae infestation, regular monitoring and cleaning will help to keep it under control.

Finally, make sure your pantry isn’t overstocked with foods and snacks, as this increases the chances of the larvae getting in. Invest in airtight containers and don’t buy groceries from a store where there is low shelf turnover. Sealing all cracks and crevices around the counters and kitchen will also help deter them from entering your home.

Eliminating a larvae infestation is not an easy task, but a persistent and systematic approach will be beneficial in the end. Monitor your food products regularly and use insecticide sprays, traps, and other preventive methods to control the infestation. And don’t forget – purchase only food from reliable sources, preferably those with higher shelf turnover to ensure you receive the freshest products and reduce the chances of infestation.