Indian Meal Moth: A Common Kitchen Pest

Abstract

The Indian meal moth is a pest of stored food products, especially grains. Moths are typically introduced to a home in packaged dry pet food, and are not observed until adults emerge and are seen flying around the kitchen. The larvae (caterpillars) of this moth create silk webbing in their food source, which can be seen when opening an infested package. Once this moth has been identified, it is usually possible to eliminate them without pesticides.