- Adult moths (grayish-brown with coppery wing tips) flying at dusk
- Silky webbing inside food packages
- Clumped flour/grains (larvae bind particles together)
- Tiny white larvae (maggot-like) crawling in containers
- Cocoons in shelf corners, under lids, or along cabinet seams
⚠️ Critical: Seeing one moth means there are likely hundreds of eggs/larvae hidden nearby.
🧹 Step 1: Empty & Inspect EVERYTHING
- Remove all items from pantry/cabinets—yes, everything, including spices, pet food, and unopened boxes.
- Check expiration dates, but don’t rely on them—moths infest fresh food too.
- Inspect sealed packages: Hold them up to light; look for webbing, holes, or movement.
💡 Pro tip: Place suspect items in the freezer for 4 days to kill eggs/larvae if you’re unsure.
