Indian meal moths are a common pest of stored products found in homes, food processing plants, grain storage and processing facilities. The larvae prefer to feed on coarsely ground flour and meal but commonly feed on whole grains, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, beans, crackers, biscuits, dry dog food, bird seed, and red peppers.
The larvae of this pantry pest produce a silk webbing over the surface of the materials upon which they are feeding. The webbing contains large amounts of their frass. The damage caused by this pest's feeding is compounded by the presence of this repulsive material. The larvae move into cracks and crevices in the food material, feeding within or near this silken mat. The mature larvae often move away from infested materials to pupate in cracks or crevices. This behavior pattern often allows them to be discovered by homeowners.
Description
This pest of stored products is about 3/8 inch long at rest, wing spread is about 5/8 inch. When at rest the wings are folded together along the line of the body. The front half of the forewings is a grayish-white color, and the lower half is a rusty red-brown color.
The adult moths usually fly at night and lay eggs on food such as grain, dried food, and especially pet food. The life cycle and habits of this pantry pest is similar to other moths infesting stored products. Eggs are laid on or near the food. A female moth may deposit from 40 to 350 eggs. After hatching, the small caterpillars begin spinning silken threads in the infested food material. They feed for about two weeks before becoming full grown. They then crawl up to the surface of the food material or often up walls and pupate within a cocoon. The adult emerges in about 30 days. The entire cycle requires about six weeks and there are from 4-6 generations per year.
Indian Meal Moths could be a secret hiding in your cupboards waiting to emerge this spring. Take these preventative steps to avoid an infestation from moving into your home this spring.
Tips to keep your home from being invaded by this pest:
1. Examine cereals, flour & dried fruit for infestations at the store & at home. Avoid purchasing broken or damaged packages. Dispose of infested packages.
2. Purchase foods in small quantities that you don't use often in small quantities. Store in airtight containers. Don't keep for more than 6 months.
3. Sanitation is the best method to avoid pests. Covering shelves with shelf paper & keep them clean & dry.
4. If you discover that you have Indian Meal Moths, locate the source of infestation and quickly get rid of the product. Dispose of infested foods in wrapped, strong, plastic bags or in sealed containers.
5. Pheromone traps can be used to detect moths, but the trap alone is a "monitoring tool" NOT A CONTROL METHOD.
6. The use of insecticides is discouraged around food materials. However, aerosol sprays, labeled for this use, will control nuisance moths flying around rooms.
7. It is always best to contact a reputable, licensed pest control company who has training, experience and equipment to get control & eliminate infestation.
For more information, check the links below:
pest control, insect control
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