Pantry moths find their way into our homes. They might find their way into our stomachs, too. It’s a good idea to be able to identity these winged invaders and then know whether or not it’s okay to gulp one (or a few) down.
Pantry moths, also known as Indian meal moths, are small winged insects, measuring about ½ an inch in length. They are quite distinctive looking. Their forewings are purplish brown with pale yellowish buff bases. Their hindwings are grayish white. As part of the pantry moth's life cycle, their larvae are white to yellow in color with reddish brown or yellowish brown heads. They can live from 30 to 300 days, depending on conditions.
These winged invaders, flying in zigzag patterns, are most commonly found indoors—in locations where food packaging is stored such as kitchens, stores selling food, and food processing plants. They attack a wide range of products, laying their eggs on this (attacked) food and grain so that their larvae, with chompers ready to eat, are born to a feast.
Will I get sick if I swallow a pantry moth?
Consuming a pantry moth is essentially harmless to a human. Thank goodness. Their eggs may end up our cereal, before we even have the chance to pour it out into a bowl. Their larvae may be discovered in an unsealed plastic bag of pasta, which is why you’d never want to eat wiggling pasta. But, if a few eggs accidentally go down with that bite of coco puffs or you feel something wiggling in your throat as it makes its way further down your esophagus, you’re going to be okay. Really. I’ll say it again. You’re going to be okay.
Pantry moths, like many other insects that might occasionally make their way into your belly, will simply be digested. You couldalso ingest an arthropod—like a spider, a mite, or a tick—and be fine. Additionally you’d be okay if you inhaled another insect like a gnat, a fly, a mosquito, or a bedbug.
Here’s the best news: Pantry moths do not produce toxins or carry diseases. They are not known to spread any known disease, parasites, or pathogens.
When might I swallow a pantry moth?
To be honest, I think we all swallow a bug from time to time. Remember that bike ride, many moons ago, with your best friend? One minute, you were laughing so hard, your head co*cked back and your mouth agape, tears rolling down your cheeks as he recounted a story about a fishing trip with his dad…and then the next minute, you realize that something just flew into your very open mouth. You felt a flitter in the back of your throat, next to that thing—your uvula, and then, in a rush, you swallowed it. Gulp.
This is a common insect-swallowing occasion. You could also swallow a bug while running, simply inhaling too sharply, on that roller coaster at an amusem*nt park, or while skateboarding down a ramp, to name a few.
How do I know it was a pantry moth that I swallowed?
Once it’s swallowed, it’s gone. You may not ever know. There are over 11,000 species of moths in North America alone, one of which could be in your belly. But fear not. The pantry moth, harmless to your digestive tract, is the most common of these.
Too, if you accidentally swallowed (though who does it on purpose?) a poisonous species of moth, it would be quite the feat, award-worthy for sure. Poisonous and stinging moths are brightly colors and often have spiny bodies. You’d have to shove quite a few of them in your moth to fall ill.
But, just to be safe, if you are vomiting, have stomach cramps, diarrhea, or other signs of gastrointestinal distress, you may have swallowed something that you shouldn’t have. Get off of that roller coaster, stop your bike, run (if you’re already running) to the nearest hospital or call your doctor’s office.
I didn’t swallow a panty moth, but I have them in my home
If you realize that these scoundrels are taking over your pantry (or your home), look no further than Dr. Killigan’s Premium Pantry Moth Traps. We understand that a moth infestation can be disgusting and frustrating and are here to help. You are not alone in this battle.
The final word on whether eating pantry moths can make you sick
No one wants to swallow a bug. No one wants bugs in their home either. If you find that you’re a part of the latter group, Dr. Killigan’s Premium Pantry Moth Traps are potent pheromone traps that will bring peace of mind back to your home. They are non-toxic, safe to use around children and pets when used as directed, and come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you purchase and then find that you are not completely satisfied with your Premium Pantry Moth Trap purchase, please contact us. We will not hesitate to make things right.
FAQs
Consuming a pantry moth is essentially harmless to a human. Thank goodness. Their eggs may end up our cereal, before we even have the chance to pour it out into a bowl. Their larvae may be discovered in an unsealed plastic bag of pasta, which is why you'd never want to eat wiggling pasta.
What happens if you eat a pantry moth? ›
So will pantry moths or their larvae, eggs and webbing make you sick if you accidentally eat them? The experts say no. So, if you ingest them, don't panic. Indian meal moths are not known to spread any known diseases, parasites or pathogens.
Can you get sick from eating a moth? ›
Therefore, if you accidentally ingest a moth, you probably do not need to panic. The only moths that are poisonous are the ones that eat poisonous plants as larvae. Then, the toxins they ingest remain in their bodies as adults. These types of moths are still generally only mildly toxic.
Can you get sick from pantry bugs? ›
This is the most unsavory part of a pantry pest infestation. There's no way to know for sure whether you or your family may have eaten any eggs before you were aware of their presence. The good news is that pantry moths and beetles have not been linked to any diseases, parasites, or parabens at this time.
Do pantry moths carry parasites? ›
Pantry moths contaminate food with their feces, exoskeletons, all life stages, and, in the case of Indian meal moths, webbing. In most cases, these pests do not taint the food item's flavor, but may be aesthetically unacceptable once detected. They are not known to transmit any human pathogens.
What happens if you eat pantry pests? ›
I had kitchen pests, specifically grain weevils. Adults cringe when they find insects in their food; kids say "gross", "cool" or "may I eat one?" In truth, eating them will not harm you. Eating insects is trendy and common in some parts of the world. They provide protein and crunch.
Do pantry moths lay eggs in food? ›
Pantry moths lay their eggs on stored food and grains. Finding an adult moth may be a sign that there are infested items somewhere in the home. Adult females can lay hundreds of eggs directly on or near potential food sources, and the damage is done by the larvae (tiny caterpillars).
Can pantry moths get into ziploc bags? ›
Look at each item for moths (alive or dead), larvae (tiny worms), eggs (which look like clumps of grain), or webbing that the worms spin. Keep in mind that because the larvae can chew through plastic bags and cardboard, even some unopened packages may be infected.
What is the lifespan of a pantry moth? ›
Life Cycle of the Pantry Moth
The average is 4-7 weeks. Usually, the first noticed is the adult, which will only live 1 or 2 weeks without feeding. During this time, the female may lay up to 650 eggs at a time directly on the food source that will be used by the larvae.
How did I get pantry moths? ›
They often come in through doors and windows or openings around vents or cables that enter the home. The pantry moths' sense of smell is exactly how they find just the right place to settle: in your pantry. Where there is food supply is where they, unfortunately, tend to feel safe.
As a parasite, mites use the host caterpillar or moth as a source of food in the form of hemolymph or "blood." They are usually seen as small fluid-filled "balloons," and there may be just one or a few on the dorsal or ventral surfaces of adult moths.
How to tell if moths are in your food? ›
The signs aren't usually apparent until you discover damage wrought by the pantry moth larvae. Some of the signs of a pantry moth infestation include: The moth itself in the pantry, or some small caterpillars. Along the corners of packages or on the inside even, webbing or sticky secretions can be visible.
Do pantry moths turn into worms? ›
In most cases, pantry worms are actually the larvae of the Indian Meal Moth. They can get into your cupboards, shelves, and pantry in many ways. To get rid of them, you will probably have to do some serious cabinet clearing. Still, you shouldn't always blame yourself for an infestation.
What repels pantry moths? ›
Keep Moths Away With Natural Repellents
Moths have a strong sense of smell and will avoid odors they dislike, like lavender, peppermint, and cedar. Consider using a cleaning solution enhanced with peppermint or lavender essential oils or hang sachets made with dried mint leaves or lavender flowers.
Where do pantry moths hide during the day? ›
According to 'The Old Farmer's Almanac,' "You may find larvae and pupae tucked away in door hinges, backs of door knobs, and corners of wire baskets; underneath shelves, and around the edges of jar lids, cans, and non-food items also stored in your pantry or cupboard.
Can pantry moths get into sugar? ›
A pantry moth is going to be most at home in the kitchen, where they have access to a full range of sugars. This means they will ravage your dried pasta, flour, cereal, bread, grains, processed snacks, sugar, herbs and spices. Sometimes, pantry moths will even target dry pet food, dried fruits, and birdseed.
How do I know if I have pantry moths in my food? ›
Telltale signs of pantry moth infestations include webbing along the corners of packages or on the product inside, flour or cereal products with an unpleasant odor, or sticky secretions that cause grains to clump together.
Is it safe to eat rice with moths in it? ›
If you're wondering whether ingesting a few eggs or other meal moth byproducts will make you sick, the answer is no. In fact, you've almost certainly eaten some without knowing it. So they aren't really a health hazard, but they're a waste hazard, because they will mess up perfectly good food.
