Indian Meal Moth

Indian Meal Moths

Indian meal moths are the most common of the “pantry pests”.
 

Geographical Region

Indian meal moths are found in a wide range of climates in food storage facilities around the world. These moths are especially common in places like Florida where they can thrive outdoors.
 

Natural Habitat

Adult Indian meal moths are most active at night. The Indian meal moth can survive and reproduce at temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
 

Weather conditions

The Indian meal moth can survive in a wide range of weather conditions.
 

Behavior

Indian meal moths infest a wide variety of foods found in a pantry: cereal, flour, pasta, whole grains, cornmeal, spices, dried fruits and nuts. They will also get into dry pet food and birdseed.

Adult meal moths do not feed. Females will lay eggs directly on the food source. Upon hatching the larvae will feed and spin silk webs within the stored food containers.

Indian meal moths are especially attracted to blue light.
 

Unique characteristics

The wing expanse of an Indian meal moth is nearly three-quarters of an inch. The forewings are reddish-brown with a touch of copper luster on the outer edges and whitish-gray on the part closer to the body. Adult meal moths fly at night and are attracted to lights.