Indianmeal Moth
The common name Indianmeal moth was coined by an early American Entomologist (Asa Fitch), who found it feeding on cornmeal also known as Indianmeal. They typically live from two to six months.
Size: 5/8″-3/4” (16-20 mm)
Colour: Copper reddish
Behaviour: The larvae are surface feeders and generally produce a lot of webbing throughout the infested part of the material. Indianmeal moths feed on dried fruits, grains, seeds, nuts, chocolate, candies, birdseed, dog food, powdered milk, dried red peppers and candy. The adults cause no damage and are attracted towards light.
Attracted to the light, these moths are found in bright places where food is stored like restaurants and grocery stores.
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Discard infested foods in outdoor trash bins.
- Clean infested cupboards thoroughly with a vacuum and soap and water.
It is probably the most commonly encountered pest of stored products found in home and grocery stores. The larvae infest foods and can contaminate food products by leaving skin and waste behind.
