Moths

Indian Meal Moths

General Information: The Indian meal moth is considered to be the most troublesome of the moths infesting stored products in the United States. They attack all cereal products, whole grains, dried fruits, grains, seeds, nuts, chocolate, candy, birdseed, powdered milk, dried red peppers and even pet foods. Damage is caused by the larvae spinning silken threads as they feed and crawl, thus webbing the particles of food together. Small moths are often noticed flying around pantries and other infested areas.
Habitat: Attracted to the light, these bugs are found in bright places where food is stored like restaurants and grocery stores.
Risks: Indian Meal Moths infest foods and can contaminate food products.

Prevention:

• Store food in sealed containers.
• Discard infested foods in outdoor trash bins.
• Clean infested cupboards thoroughly with a vacuum and soap and water.
• Even after all sources of infested food have been eliminated, you may still need a pest professional to locate moths in different life-stages.

Clothes Moth

General Information: Webbing clothes moths were likely introduced into the United States before the 1860’s. The often travel with clothing, rugs or other belongings containing wool or other natural animal products. The larval (worm) stage alone is responsible for damage to materials. The adult moths lack functional, chewing mouthparts. Damage is most often concentrated in dark areas, crevices or creases in their preferred food. 
They will attempt to hide when disturbed and will often run, hop or fly short distances to escape. They are weak fliers compared to other moth species. The males are much more active fliers than the females. Males actively seek out female moths in order to mate. Males and females can penetrate through surprisingly narrow cracks as they find their way in storage cabinets and boxes. Once mated, females lookfor suitable food sources to lay their eggs. The extremely small larvae can find their way into many storage containers that appear to be pest-proof.
Habitat: Adult clothes moths are secretive and are often found in darkened places such as under furniture and cushions, where carpets and textiles are folded and in garments under collars, cuffs and folds.
Risks: Clothes moths infest fabrics and furniture.

Prevention:

• Regularly inspect all stored clothing areas and vacuum out drawers and closets to remove the lint that larvae feed on.
• Remove animal nests (birds, rodents, bees and wasps) and get rid of rodents.
• Discard infested items.
• Store items in air-tight storage containers.
• Even after all infested items have been removed, you may still need a pest professional to locate moths in different life-stages.