Once food moths have settled in the kitchen, the anger is great: ÖKO-TEST has tested seven sprays and 25 traps against moth infestation – and the result is sober. Sprays are best avoided and pheromone traps will not necessarily stop the plague. But the good news is that you probably already have what really helps at home.
Whether brought in via purchased goods from the supermarket or when airing the apartment: once food moths have made themselves comfortable in your home, it becomes tricky to get rid of the pests again. The colleagues from ÖKO-TEST are therefore presenting a comprehensive test of products that promise to end the plague.
A total of seven pump sprays and 25 sticky traps were tested for ingredients and effectiveness. Of the seven sprays, three failed with an “unsatisfactory” because they contain insecticides that are also toxic to humans. Two others received the overall rating “inadequate”. Only two could achieve a “satisfactory”. The pheromone traps performed better, but they are not a miracle cure for the infestation.
Note: The original article appeared in issue 5/2021. The online article was last updated on 10/14/21.
Read the detailed test at ÖKO-TEST
Sprays against food moths at ÖKO-TEST: Three contain harmful insecticides
The worst performers in the test were the DFNT Anti-Moth Spray, the Envira Moth Spray and the Patronus Anti-Moth Spray. The ingredients here include esbiothrin and permethrin, synthetic pesticides that are also harmful to humans. Both substances can cause drowsiness, headaches and nausea if ingested in excess.
According to ÖKO-TEST, experts from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) examined the ingredient esbiothrin more closely and came to the conclusion that the risk to human health was unacceptable. Exposure to sunlight would build up substances that could trigger changes in the genome. According to a decision by the EU Commission, insecticides with esbiothrin must be withdrawn from the market by the end of January 2022 at the latest. This also applies to the three moth sprays mentioned.
The Gerobug Protect moth spray and the Insect-Out moth spray contain chrysanthemum extract, which is less dangerous than permethrin and esbiothrin, but also has a neurotoxic effect. These sprays also only come up with a “poor”. The Naturgut Anti-Moth Spray relies on an active ingredient from a type of lavender, the Silberkraft Moth Spray on geraniol. According to ÖKO-TEST, both substances are probably less toxic, but can cause contact allergies. In general, ÖKO-TEST advises against sprays, since contaminated food must be disposed of anyway.
Read the detailed test for 2.50 euros at ÖKO-TEST
Sticky traps against moth infestation: do not solve the problem, but help to identify them
Sticky pheromone traps do not eliminate the pest infestation, but they do help to identify the source of the moth plague. Seven sticky traps were able to convince with their harmless ingredients and proven effectiveness. The best traps include the Profissimo food moth trap from dm, the Aeroxon food moth trap and various food moth traps from Evergreen Garden Care. These traps consistently scored “very good” in all categories.
16 traps got the grade “satisfactory” because the effectiveness could not be proven product-specifically in parts. The Mr. Insect Free Food Moth Traps only earned the grade “sufficient” that Dr. Steel food moth trap only a “poor”.
According to ÖKO-TEST, health effects of the moth pheromones on humans are not to be expected if they are used properly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to keep the traps away from children as a precaution.
Thorough cleaning remains the best remedy against moth infestation
While pheromone traps only attract males who are willing to mate, this does not help against eggs that have already been laid. So keep an eye out for webs or larvae in food. If food moths have actually nested in you, a really thorough cleaning action is recommended. Dispose of infested food immediately and clean all surfaces and cracks particularly thoroughly. Normal cleaning or washing-up liquid is sufficient here.
To check whether you have really caught all the moths, you can set up pheromone traps. But be careful: Appearances can be deceiving here. Due to their mode of action, pheromone traps can also attract stray moths from outside without there being an infestation. It is best to keep a close eye on your groceries for a while and pack them as securely as possible.