(no subject)

[ebonlock]

You know how I said before I thought I'd taken care of the crazy moth problem in my house? Well I was wrong. Also these moths have the most disturbing little white maggot-like caterpillars and they're everywhere including the ceiling. I did find the location of their cocoons and that box is now outside until I can figure out what to do with it. Unfortunately the discovery caused me to completely flake on my lunch plans with reluctantgenius, first time I've done that and I feel just wretched.

You know what would be really cool? Just one season without a weird bug infestation.

Comments

[jakejr.livejournal.com]

They go for dry cat food, too. I had a huge infestation in Oakland one summer, and a smaller one here this past year. Get some Safer brand pantry pest traps. They have a pheromone lure and sticky paper inside. They'll catch the adult males.

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

Ok so see here's the problem, I recently decided to try to live by the 5 Buddhist precepts which start with "Refrain from taking any life" so pest control is somewhat more challenging. At the moment the cats are doing a damned good job on the adult moths and I'm sweeping up the larva and moving them outside as I see them.

On the plus side this is encouraging me to purchase freshly made pasta that goes in the fridge rather than the pantry. It's healthier, tastier and more practical under the circumstances. Also a very good excuse to go to the farmer's market :)

[reluctantgenius.livejournal.com]

Which raises the interesting question of why you shouldn't share what you have with some moths.

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

I think certain lines have to be drawn for lay persons such as myself. Were I to become a nun I'd probably have no good argument against sharing. On the other hand if I were a nun I'd live by dana anyway and wouldn't have a pantry full of food for the moths to eat...

[reluctantgenius.livejournal.com]

Have you considered asking the moths what they need?

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

I think that's pretty clear at this point.

[reluctantgenius.livejournal.com]

There is an aspect in my tradition where one offers such beings something outside of one's home with the understanding that they will not come into the home. However, I don't think it works if it is a one-sided arrangement. I believe it is necessary to make contact with the beings involved and ascertain what they wish in exchange for their forbearance.

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

I'm going with the more direct relocation tactic at the moment. Reintroducing them to their native environment, so to speak.

[jakejr.livejournal.com]

That would make it more complicated, then. So, yes, as mentioned, you'll want to keep an eye on all grains, especially rice and pasta, cat food like I mentioned, everything, even down to popcorn. The larva can squeeze through sealed containers, too - ziploc bags are about the only thing I've had any luck with.

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

I see a major plastic bag purchase in my future. Ziploc here I come.