(image from CCHs Pantry)
(image from Love at First Slice)
My story begins around the holidays when we had a couple of moths in our pantry. Things did not get better, but worsened. So, dearest ones, I checked the basket that holds bread in our pantry and tossed out anything that looked too olden and crumbly. But, also, sweeties, our moths did not go away, but persisted in making our pantry their home-sweet-home, that was filled with wonderful natural grains and some fruits and an occasional box of opened cereal or pasta.
See these Ikea containers? The moths made themselves at home here, too, inside them. So dear ones, the fluttering moths that may be so pretty colored and carefree outdoors are just pests indoors. Late last week I cleared out the right side, where all of the grain items reside, and wiped everything down and threw things away that I will not bother your delicate eyes or minds with word pictures to describe.
The problem only seamed to worsen! So this is what my pantry looked like yesterday. I used my dainty fingers with the help of Fun-Sized Chicks illness laden ones and hauled all of the pantry contents into Darling Husband's garage bay. Mr. Ben. Moore and I are having a torrid paint affair going with Concord Ivory on the right.
(image from Google search)
Do you remember how I've compared my pantry to Mary Poppins' carpet bag? Well, here it all is for us to beholden...
Goodness, no hiding from reality now. I'm so embarrassed that my face is becoming reddened. Some things have languished neglected in here for so long--a "stuff" graveyard!
You may need to avert your delicate eyes: Leftover luau birthday party items and (blush) a Dora the Explorer lunch bag, note, Fun-Sized Chick will be twelve years old next month! Also, you'll notice a couple of olden lampshades, outdated sippy cups, mops I never lay my delicate fingers on... But fear of fears, I don't want any unwelcome creatures to raid my garage, so I have laden out some other traps for unwanted visitors.
Just to let you know all of my hoarded items are not classified as outdated junk. I included this photo (and top) of the prettified silver plate that was a wedding gift to my parents over fifty years ago.
Just to let you know all of my hoarded items are not classified as outdated junk. I included this photo (and top) of the prettified silver plate that was a wedding gift to my parents over fifty years ago.
(image from closettailors.com)
So dear ones, we are at the end of the road for my pantry predicament. Tomorrow I will finish painting the walls then move out to the garage and clean all of those things off then get rid of excessive hoarded items. I'll make someone at the thrift store happy!
When I'm through, I'm sure my pantry will look just like this one--see how similar the color is to what I'm painting. Now, if I could only procure some of that fretwork trim... Sorry, Shelia for not doing your unique style justice.
image from gharexpert.com
Oh I hate those little moths and all other pantry pests. The last time they invaded my pantry I wiped everything down with Mr Clean. I went thru all my packaged mixes and found that even though they were factory sealed and air tight there were bugs inside the package. So I guess they came in with something from the store.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with those little buggers.
Traci
Oh my word, such a big job. Good luck. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteOh this is awful ~ the last time I had those moths I threw out tons of food. I did find out a couple of things 1) they come from the grocery store and are usually in pasta or rice ~ now I store my pasta a rice in the freezer (yes in the freezer) 2) those moths will enter even tupperware 3) clean out the cupboards with a bleach water solution and always and I mean always keep bay leaves in your cupboards ~ that deters the little bugs!~Hope I've been of some help. (((Hugs))) I know you need it ~ how frustrating
ReplyDeleteI love a good organizing project, but I hate to see that you had to do all that work due to the pesky moths! I love love Concord Ivory! Our kitchen was BM Concord Ivory until last month. Yes, I painted over it, but I still love it. It just never went with the other lighter yellow BM suggested for our main floor, and then with the new Stone House. Looking forward to the reveal!
ReplyDeleteOmg, how are they getting in your glass containers? I know that is a lot of work. I want to pant my pantry too just because it's dark but keep putting it off. I'm going to buy more bay leafs to ward off the moths just in case!
ReplyDeleteWhat a chore! But it'll feel so good to get it finished! What a nuisance with the moths! Hope you never see another one in there again!
ReplyDeleteOh, I feel your pain! I had this happen to me and it was a waste of so many flours, grains, fruits, legumes, homemade pasta, etc. I could not believe they were able to get into my sealed containers. But, like some of your readers above, I discovered that they came in the packages. I have never heard about using bay leaves to ward them off, but it is worth a try!
ReplyDelete~ Tracy
Love to reorganize but want to do it when I want to do it--not when moths decide it's time. I hope you get it sorted out soon so you can enjoy your newly painted and organized pantry.
ReplyDeleteI have battled with the same, what a mess! Not to be a downer but once I got rid of them from my pantry, they moved to anything paper! (yes including WALL-paper) ugh...I wish you luck, they are tough to get rid of. I am sure mine came into my home in a box of tissues of all things. - my tip is to spray your pantry with peppermint oil. not flavor, oil. They will not go where they smell it. I mix mine approx 1 part oil 10-15 parts water and spray everything down every few days.
ReplyDeleteGreat inspiration photos. Can't wait to see how yours turns out.
ReplyDeleteCAS
Lavender! I had a two year bout with moths in my kitchen cabinets, threw everything out, bleached all the shelves and walls, moths were back immediately.
ReplyDeleteSomeone told me to use lavender. I grabbed a couple of sachets out of my lingerie drawer. Voila! NO MORE MOTHS!
Kim - so sorry you had such an awful experience with the moths. But I'm excited to see how the pantry turned out with the paint! I'm planning to paint my next week.
ReplyDelete