At LifeX, we are committed to ensuring a comfortable and pest-free environment for all our members! However, shared living spaces can sometimes face challenges—like pantry moth infestations. These little pests can quickly take over your kitchen if not addressed properly.
🐛 What Are Pantry Moths?
Also known as meal moths, pantry moths are tiny insects that love to infest dry food items such as:
Grains
Nuts
Flour
Cereals
Spices
They are particularly drawn to open or improperly sealed food containers and can multiply rapidly - taking swift action is key!
🔄 The Life Cycle of a Pantry Moth
Eggs (⏳ 4-7 days): Moths lay tiny, nearly invisible eggs in food packages.
Larvae (⏳ 2-3 months): These tiny worms are the real food destroyers.
Pupa (⏳ 15-20 days): They form cocoons in crevices or near food storage.
Adult Moths (⏳ 1-2 weeks): They emerge to lay more eggs and continue the cycle.
💡 What to Do If You Spot Moths
Alert the LifeX Support Team
📸 Take a photo of the affected area or the moth and send it to support via the app. This helps us assess the issue and take necessary actions.
Dispose of Infested Food
🛢 Check all food items for:
Web-like structures
Tiny larvae (worm-like creatures)
Moths inside food bags
⚠️ Throw away any contaminated food in a sealed plastic bag and take it outside immediately!
Clean and Inspect Containers
🏡 Wash all food containers with hot soapy water to kill eggs and larvae. 🌎 Use vinegar or a mixture of water and baking soda for extra protection. 🛠 Store food in airtight glass or plastic containers.
Organise a House Meeting
👥 Ensure all housemates are aware of the issue and understand how to prevent further infestations. Teamwork is essential!
🧑🍳 How LifeX Can Help
🌟 Deep Cleaning Arrangement
LifeX might schedule a one-time deep cleaning of kitchen shelves
Photos are required to assess and resolve the issue effectively and we will provide detailed information on where moths were found.
🌐 Preparation for Cleaning
🛠 Members must remove all personal items (including food and containers) from the shelves before the cleaning session 🚫 Cleaning staff cannot dispose of or handle personal belongings.
🤝 Preventing Future Infestations
Store Food Properly
👉 Use airtight containers for all dry foods
👉 Keep open packages tightly sealed.
Regular Cleaning
🚿 Wipe down shelves and pantry areas frequently
🚿 Check food regularly for signs of pests
🚿 Clean up spills immediately!
Dispose of Expired Items
📅 Periodically go through your pantry and throw out expired or unused items.
Team Effort
👥 Communicate with housemates to establish shared responsibilities for keeping the kitchen pest-free.
🔎Still need help? Contact LifeX Support via the app! 🛠️