About Indian Meal Moths
Commonly known as "flour" or "pantry moths," Indian meal moths can be extraordinarily troublesome pests. In a few short weeks or even days, they can wreak havoc on stored food. As with most outbreaks, an ounce of prevention can do wonders to prevent excess stress and aggravation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Identification
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The Indian meal moth is fairly small, reaching only 3/8 of an inch long with a 5/8 inch wing span. The wings are a meal moth's most distinguishing feature: the outer two-thirds are a distinctive rust brown or copper color, the remaining third is a yellow gray, and a dark gray band divides the two. The larva are cream colored and about 2/3 of an inch long.
Features
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Female moths lay small (.5 mm) eggs around potential food sources. As caterpillars, these pests are capable of eating through plastic bags and thin cardboard, turning your pantry into a virtual smorgasbord. Once fed, the caterpillars leave their food source and begin to pupate by forming a cocoon. These cocoons often sit in isolated cracks or niches until the adults emerge. The adults typically flourish between October and February.
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Effects
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Indian meal moths ruin stored foods, on which their larvae feed. As they feed, the larvae excrete a silky webbing which can render the food unsightly and functionally inedible. While cereals and grains are the most commonly infested, infestations can also be found in pet food, dried fruit and even bird seed. If these creatures manage to invade a store of grain in a mill, their carcasses and webbing can accumulate so far as to actually clog the machinery.
Prevention/Solution
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If you notice meal moths in your home, inspect the surrounding area for the source of the infestation. Any and all food sources in the household may harbor an outbreak: cereals, herbs and spices, spilled flour, dog food, or even dried flowers. Immediately discard or disinfect any infested material. Use soapy water or bleach to thoroughly clean any sites where food has been spilled. Store remaining food in tightly sealed containers or place it in the refrigerator. Move bulk foods (such as pet food or seeds) away from the pantry, if possible.
Considerations
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Chemical means are also available for battling Indian meal moth infestations: pheromone traps may be used to capture adult male moths, which may help determine the site of an infestation. Insecticides should not be used, however, in or around areas where food is stored. And for better or for worse, the larvae do not transmit or carry any disease---which means that they can be accidentally consumed without complication.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Department of Agriculture of Western Australia's PestWeb
