Control

Indian meal moths can be found in a variety of materials. They are actually a common pantry pest and can be easily confused with Clothes Moths. The most effective way to find infestations is to start in the pantry and to inspect materials that may host Indian meal moths. Look for webbings as a way to determine if any items are infested. This webbing is made by the larvae before pupation occurs. Any of the following materials can be infested with Indian meal moths: Dried fruits, cereals, nuts, grain products, candy, pet foods, spices, and also any other processed materials that have a vegetable origin. They can also be found in dried flower arrangements and also in scented dried arrangements like potpourri. Powdered milk and flour are also areas of infestation. Keep in mind though, that the larvae will travel off into other locations before the pupa stage and is not attracted to just one food source. Keep Reading

Clothes moths actually have been significant in economic distress in the past due to thousands of dollars for treatment. These days, they are not as big of a problem as they were in the past and although they do not pose as big of a threat today, infestations of clothes moths can be a great nuisance and will create damage to the insides of homes. There are two important species of clothes moths, however, Keep Reading

Clothes Moths

Clothes Moths have been significant in economic distress in the past, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars for treatment; however, they are not as big of a problem today as they were in the past.  Although they may not be a great problem recently, if there is an infestation of clothes moths, they may be a great nuisance and can cause significant damage to the inside of a home.

There are two important species of Clothes moths: the Webbing clothes moths and the Casemaking clothes moths.  Both are very similar in physical form and there a minor differences in their biology and commonality. Keep Reading

Indian Meal Moth

Indian Meal Moths are probably the most encountered pantry pest that are found in homes, grocery stores, warehouses, etc. in the United States. They may one of the most important pests as well and although they are commonly encountered in the United States, Indian Meal Moths can be found worldwide. The common name – Indian Meal Moth – was given to the species of moth by an American entomologist when she found the moth feeding on cornmeal, also known as “Indian corn”. Keep Reading

Question:

Having a problem with indian meal moths! The problem is in a lady’s kitichen! This is my first encounter with them. They’re in her cabinets and rest of kitichen! I would really appreciate your advice on how to rid my customer’s pretty bad moth problem. Thank You!! Brandon, TN

Answer:

Indian Meal Moth problems can require some time and good detective work to eradicate, but if they are in the kitchen that is a great place to start. These moths will feed on just about anything we store in our cupboards, and easily can infest multiple packages of foods. Only the larvae feed, and they will be well hidden inside the closed packages, so this will require either the cooperation of the customer or their complete faith in you as you snoop through their cupboards to investigate. Don’t overlook a single package of food product, for these moths eat dried fruit, nuts, grains, processed foods from grain products, baking goods, pet foods including bird and fish food, spices, peppers, chips, breads, and even whole grains like corn, rice, wheat, etc. Every package needs to be opened, including those that look sealed and impervious to the moths, for the larvae easily chew through paper and cardboard and thin plastic wrapping. More on Moth Control