How do moths get inside closed cereal containers?

Question

It seems that whenever I open my cereal containers (glass jars, or a cardboard box of oatmeal) I find it full of moths or of evidence that moths have been in there. HOw do they get in? What can I do to prevent this?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Moths tipically lay eggs in cereals to provide their larvae with nourishment. They do not pierce plastic or glass containers so the only chance is that when you got that product it was already infested. To keep your pantry free of those and other pests you must inspect your food VERY CAREFULLY when buing it at the supermarket. Look for super tiny holes inthe containers (usually when buying beans, pasta and cereals) and look for tiny black dots inside the package. Upon arriving home reinspect and discard anything suspicious. You need to get either rubbermaid with screwing lid containers or glass jars to keep the food free of those pest. Also weevils are experts in these subject and will get in your food, specially rice. Have you ever opened a bag of rice and found a swarm of tiny little beetles like creatures walking all over it? Follow the same procedure. Even if you clean your pantry and spray raid on it (not recommended as it is food) these pests are coming from outside (eg supermarket) so you need to stick to this method if you want them out.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thank you for your detailed explanation of the problem. I will attempt to examine foods I buy at the market more carefully!

Answer 2

Eggs or part of the life cycle of whatever bug you get, whether weevil or moth, is already present in your cereal when you put it in the container. Yecch but we consume major insect bits every day without knowing it. Ignorance is bliss.

Answer 3

Finish the cereal before the bug eggs get a chance to hatch.