Indian Meal Moth

Plodia interpunctella

Common pantry pest moth that infests stored grain products and dried foods.

Insect Low Risk

About Indian Meal Moth

Indian meal moths are the most common stored product pest in homes. Adults are small moths (5/8 inch wingspan) with distinctive wings - outer two-thirds coppery-reddish brown, inner third pale gray. Larvae are cream-colored caterpillars with brown heads, reaching 1/2 inch long. Females lay 100-400 eggs in food products. Larvae spin silk webbing as they feed, creating clumps in infested products. They can chew through cardboard and plastic packaging. Development takes 4-6 weeks. Adults don't feed and live only 5-7 days. They infest cereals, flour, pet food, dried fruits, nuts, and virtually all dried food products.

Identification

Adults: small moth, 5/8 inch wingspan. Wings two-toned: copper-reddish outer portion, pale gray inner portion. Larvae: cream-colored caterpillar with brown head, 1/2 inch long. Silk webbing in food.

Signs of Infestation

Small moths flying in kitchen, especially at night. Larvae or webbing in food packages. Small holes in food packaging. Clumped or webbed together food products. Cocoons in cupboard corners. Adults resting on walls near food storage.

Health & Safety Risks

Indian meal moths don't bite, sting, or transmit diseases. Their larvae contaminate food products making them inedible. Silk webbing, feces, and shed skins contaminate food. Primarily an economic pest causing food waste. Can trigger allergies in some individuals.

Prevention Tips

Inspect food packages before purchasing. Store food in airtight glass or plastic containers. Rotate stock - use older items first. Keep pantry clean and dry. Check pet food and bird seed regularly. Clean up spills immediately. Inspect less-used food items monthly.