Size
3/8”-5/8”
Color
Gray with rusty brown
Description
The Indian Meal Moth is a small gray moth with a rusty-brown coloring on the bottom third of its wings, making it easy to distinguish from other moth species. The adult is not a h3 flier and avoids light.
The female Indian Meal Moth lays tiny eggs near or in dried foods, usually cereals, grains, nuts, herbs, and pet foods. The larvae hatch and feed during their initial stages of development where they create tunnels through the food with the same webbing they will later spin to create their cocoons. Then the caterpillar-like larvae crawl out in search of a place to pupate, often in a corner, crevice or behind a wall hanging.
The Indian Meal Moth larvae are able to chew through plastic and cardboard packaging to get to a food source.
Control Advice
Inspect dry food goods carefully before purchasing or eating and store in airtight containers. Discard infested food and inspect other dry food goods in the area. Clean food storage area thoroughly.
Active Seasons
The Indian Meal Moth is most active in summer.