About Indian meal moths
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Insect infestations in pantries and cupboards are common problems in kitchens. Indian meal moth is one of the most common pantry pests.
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Pantry pests may destroy or spoil sizable quantities of food products.
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The adult Indian meal moth is a 5/8 inch long moth. The outer 1/2 to 2/3 of its wings are reddish-copper colored. This is the reproductive stage of the insect.
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The larva is whitish, 1/2 inch long, with a brown head.
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Indian meal moth can be brought into the home in packages contaminated with eggs that escaped detection in milling or packaging. The resulting infestations can spread from package to package in the cupboards.
Indian meal moth, last instar larvae and pupae. Photo: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
Damage
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Finding webbing or a large number of caterpillars or worm-like larva (immature insect stage) crawling about in a box or container of cereal or spices is often the first indication of an infestation. Also, moths flying around the kitchen or an enclosed area such as a garage is a sign that you should inspect grain products, cereals, spices, dry pet food, and birdseed.
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Discard infested products. A quick check of other nearby containers should be made. If no additional insects are seen, it may be assumed that the infestation was limited to that area.
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However, if the first indication is the occurrence of insects crawling or flying about outside of a package, then a more thorough search for the source of the pests is necessary.
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All containers of dry packaged foods such as nutmeats, dried fruits, flour, meal, pasta, breakfast cereals, or spices (especially red pepper, paprika, and chili powder) must be examined carefully. They sometimes will infest dried flowers.Adults and small worm-like larvae may be found.
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Sawdust-like droppings, called frass, may also be found.
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Unopened containers must also be checked to be sure that pests have not gained entry.
Management
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Prevention is the best control for pantry pests.
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When purchasing bulk grains, dried fruit, flour, etc., inspect it carefully when loading it into bags for weighing.
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Inspect products again when you get it home and put it into storage containers. Keep food in glass jars, plastic containers, or metal canisters. Glass jars that pressure seal with rubber gaskets are the best. Make sure they have tight-fitting lids. Many of the pantry pests are very small and can crawl under loose-fitting lids.
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Do not store products in plastic bags, or cardboard boxes as the insects can chew through them.
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Try to store foods in a cool dry place. Most of the stored product pests multiply faster at higher humidity. Many products can be kept in the freezer to prevent infestation, especially products that are not used right away. Nuts, flours, meals, and dried chili peppers can all be frozen.
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Infested foods should be thrown away and the shelves cleaned thoroughly to eliminate food material and insect eggs or larvae which might be in cracks or corners.
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Vacuum the shelves and then wash the cupboards with warm soapy water. Do not spray any food storage areas with insecticides. Clean up any food spills promptly.
Rev. 2020