Indian Meal Moth
Category: Miscellaneous
Scientific Name: Plodia interpuctella
Identification:
Color: Copper red, black, and gray.
Size: ⅝ – ¾ inch long
Region: Found throughout the United States
Lifespan: 4-5 weeks
Important Considerations:
- Indian meal moths feed on all kinds of pantry foods such as grains, seeds, nuts, candy, chocolate, dried fruit, powdered milk, bird seed, and dog food.
- Like most moths, Indian meal moths are attracted to light and can often be found congregating around light sources.
- Females lay their eggs within food sources. Contaminated foods must be thrown out. A severe infestation can cause significant food loss because of contamination.
Where to Find Them on Your Property?
For the most part, Indian meal moths spend their entire lives inside. They choose to live near food sources in kitchen or pantries and reproduce within the food sources themselves.