Best Pantry Moth Traps to Fight an Infestation

Most of us throw a lot of food out the moment we spot a pantry moth infestation in the house. The whole exercise often ends up fruitless as the moths remain and continue to breed, making the problem worse. Pantry moth traps might work in such a situation, as they use the chemical pheromone to attract and kill the male moths. This disrupts their breeding cycle, making it possible for you to get rid of them for good eventually. Additionally, these non-toxic traps are totally safe for kids and pets.

Pantry Moth Traps

How to Choose a Pantry Moth Glue Trap That Will Work for You

Most of these traps come in a pyramid shape, with the inner surface covered in glue mixed with pheromones, so the moths go and get stuck.

  1. Size and Surface Area Coverage: Larger traps have a wider area for the sticky surface, making them more effective in catching the moths. Make sure the glue covers the whole inside surface, so the traps are more effective.
  2. Design and Assembling: The simplest design is a single sheet of flypaper with a protective sheet for the glue. All you will have to do is remove this covering, fold the trap, and place it. Some also come with separate pheromone bait that you need to put on the glue board. These might be slightly messy to set up, and the moths may only be attracted to the small area where the bait is placed.
  3. Packaging: Since pheromones are susceptible to weather conditions, proper packaging is vital for making sure that the product would work. There are many traps packed in cardboard wrappers and boxes which are not airtight, thus does not guarantee the best results. Products that come in a cellophane wrapping are preferable. You will have to use all the units in a single package at once unless they each have their own separate plastic wrapping.
  4. Appearance: Would you want a trap that works well but looks hideous in your kitchen, or would you instead go for one that goes with the aesthetics too? This is why most companies try to make their moth traps pleasing on the eyes.
  5. Price: These are mostly cheap and readily available. Keep in mind that having a higher price tag alone does not guarantee the best results. Check all the other points as well at the time of choosing the right one. They usually cost about $10-$20 for a set of 6-10 traps.

5 Best Pantry Moth Traps to Kill the Moths

Dr. Killigans Premium Pantry Moth Traps with Pheromones Prime – Pack of 6Premium Pantry Moth Traps with Pheromones Prime

Pros: The catchy patterned flypaper traps are available in 2 colors. The 6 traps are packed individually in airtight wrapping. You can hang these too if you have a suitable spot.

Cons: Slightly expensive compared to other similar products. Some people have reported that some latest batches did not work as well for them.

Final Word: With a majority of positive reviews, these traps do work, and are quite easy to use.


Catchmaster 812sd Pantry Moth Traps – Pack of 6Catchmaster 812sd Pantry Moth Traps

Pros: With a simple design and lower price tag, it mainly focuses on the utility of the product.

Cons: Cannot be hanged. The sharp angles in the trap reduce the surface area for catching the moths. The glue has a distinct smell that might disturb some people.

Final Word: If you are looking for a cost-effective option for the kitchen, this one will suit you.


Greener Mindset Pantry Moth Traps – Pack of 7 with Premium Pheromone AttractantGreener Mindset Pantry Moth Traps

Pros: The unique hook design makes it easier to hang. Since the pheromone is mixed with the glue, you don’t need to handle any bait separately.

Cons: Some users complained that these traps were ineffective in catching any moths in their house.

Final Word: If you have a large infestation and want to deal with moths high on the wall and ceilings, the hanging system can be more convenient for you.


Terro T2900 2-Pack Pantry Moth Traps (for grain moths, flour moths, meal moths, and seed moths)TERRO T2900 2-Pack Pantry Moth Traps

Pros: Simple flat design makes it convenient to place on any surface.

Cons: No hooks or loops to hang it by. Slightly expensive compared to other traps with similar features, especially since it looks pretty plain.

Final Word: Go for this if you just want a basic trap with a clean design for your kitchen shelves or similar indoor spots.


Safer Brand 05140 The Pantry Pest Trap – Pack of 2Safer Brand 05140 The Pantry Pest Trap

Pros: The simple yet attractive wood patterned trap has a flattened shape to utilize more of the surface area. The small size also allows you to place it in hard-to-reach areas.

Cons: Somewhat expensive. Some people find it too small to catch too many moths. According to some users, the new design of the product has a smaller glue area, making it less effective.

Final Word: Go for it if you want to place moth traps in kitchen shelves and cabinets where the larger traps may not fit.



Remember, these traps will not work for clothes moth as the pheromone used here only targets pantry moths.

How to Use Pantry Moth Traps More Effectively

Pheromone glue traps alone are not enough to eradicate a pantry moth infestation in your home. Since these traps take out the breeding males, the moths cannot continue their breeding cycle to lay eggs and produce new larvae. You just need to take the follow-up measures to eliminate the females and any existing eggs and larvae.

Toss out unsealed packets of cereals, food grains, flour, bird seeds, and similar items if you suspect they have been contaminated. Start placing the traps only after cleaning the kitchen thoroughly. The life cycle of these moths can be completed in 30 days when the conditions are ideal. So, keep the traps out for 5-6 weeks to kill all the adult males. You will see a gradual decrease in the number of moths caught in the traps. When the trap barely catches any moths, you can do another thorough cleaning of the kitchen with a 50/50 vinegar-warm water solution to get rid of any remaining eggs. The adult females will have gone by this time too.

To make sure they don’t return, keep the traps set for another 3-4 weeks.

All these traps are meant for indoor use. Most of these are good to use for 3 months (unless they fill up before that), so writing the date on the trap when you set it out can be convenient for remembering.

by | Updated:September 19, 2016

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