It happens like this: you open a jar of flour or a bag of nuts, and inside there are tiny cobwebs, bugs or even larvae. This is not dirt, this is food moth – an invisible pest that starts in dry foods and quickly spreads throughout all cabinets. You throw away one pack, and a week later you find “guests” in rice, lentils and even tea.
Many people start putting everything into glass jars, throwing out half of their supplies, and washing cabinets with bleach. But there is a simpler and cheaper way.
Take a small glass jar. Add 2-3 tablespoons of ground cinnamon or a bay leaf, broken into pieces. Cover with a lid with holes or just leave open.
Place this “repellent” on the shelf next to cereals, flour, and nuts. Moths cannot tolerate the strong aroma of cinnamon and laurel. She does not die instantly, but stops laying eggs and gradually leaves the closet.
After just 1-2 days you will stop finding new bugs. And in a week you won't see them anymore.
Question and answer:
Can essential oils be used instead of cinnamon?
Yes, lavender, eucalyptus or tea tree oil on a cotton pad also repel moths. But cinnamon and bay are cheaper and safer in contact with food.
Why do moths appear in cereals?
Moth eggs often end up in products during the packaging stage. When temperatures are warm and dry, they hatch in 1–2 weeks.
How long does bay leaf last?
The aroma lasts 2-3 weeks. Then it is better to replace it with a fresh one.
