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Indian Meal Moth
Larva and Adult |
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Moths are 3/8 to 1/2-inch long with wings folded over the
back. Wings are two-toned, with the bases a pale gray and the ends reddish
brown or copper. Larva are dirty white with brown heads. They grow to about
1/2-inch long and may become yellowish, pinkish, brownish or greenish.
Indian meal moths are often mistaken for clothes moths when they
are detected flying around in the home. The clothes moth does not have
two-toned wings. Their wings are uniformly gray. Another stored grain
infesting larva species, the Angoumois grain moth, infests seeds of
corn, wheat, oats, sorghum, barley and other crops. Adult moths are small,
all yellow moths with a 3/5 inch wingspan. Egg-laying females infested seeds
either while crops are in the field or in storage. Larvae tunnel into seeds,
feeding on the germ and endosperm, and form silk tubes in which they pupate.
Their life cycle is completed in about 5 weeks and up to six generations can
occur annually. Other major stored grain pests are rice weevils, and
granary weevils.
Life Cycle: Night-active female moths lay eggs, singly or in
clusters, on suitable larval food. Larvas hatch from eggs and produce silken
tunnels for protection while feeding. Larval development varies in length
with temperature and type of food material. Just before pupating, larvae
leave the food source. Larvas can be found crawling on walls and ceilings
searching for a place to spin a cocoon. Development from egg to adult takes
from 27 to 305 days, and 7 or 8 generations can occur in a year.
Habitat and Food Source(s): Larva have chewing mouthparts. Adults
have siphoning mouths. Larva feed in flour (including whole wheat and
cornmeal or Indian meal)., shelled corn and other broken stored grains,
dried fruit, seeds, crackers, biscuits, nuts, powdered milk, chocolate,
candy, red peppers, and dog food. A common food source is bird seed. Because
it is not treated for human consumption the moth larva is often imported
into homes with the feed. Larva produce a loose silken mat on top surface of
infested food material.
Pest Status: Moths are often found flying in kitchens and other
rooms of the house, being a nuisance to occupants; appearance of moths is an
indication of a breeding population of larva in some type of stored food. |
Control Measures
- If the problem is severe and widespread, contact a reputable, licensed
pest control operator who has the training, experience, equipment,
to get the control job accomplished. An experienced professional may
not need to use pesticides.
- Before purchasing, examine foods such as milled cereal products, flour
and dried fruit for infestations. Examine broken and damaged packages and
boxes to avoid bringing stored pests accidentally into the home. Check the
packaging date to ensure freshness.
- Purchase seldom-used foods in small quantities to prevent long storage
periods of a month or more. Susceptible material stored for six months or
more, especially during the hot summer months, has the possibility of
developing into serious infestations. Store susceptible foods in
insect-proof containers of glass, metal or plastic ware with tight-fitting
lids, ideally screw-type. Highly susceptible foods, such as spices, can be
kept in the refrigerator and other foods in the freezer. Always use older
packages first, and inspect frequently to avoid any spillage which might
attract insects. Properly ventilate the storage area to discourage
moisture-loving pests.
- Foods of questionable infestations or even lightly infested can be
supercooled or superheated. Place exposed or suspect foods in a freezer at
0°F. for four to seven days or in a microwave oven for five minutes or in
a shallow pan or tray in the oven at 140°F for one hour or 120°F for two
hours. Spread the material thinly to permit effective cold or heat
penetration to kill all life stages of the pest. If in the oven, stir food
periodically to prevent possible scorching. Dried fruits can be placed in
cheese cloth bags and dipped into boiling water for six to ten seconds to
kill external pests. However, seeds saved for planting may have the
germination reduced after superheating or cooling. Sifting the food
material will remove possible insect fragments and any remaining will not
cause harm if consumed. After insects are killed, contaminated food might
be used outdoors during winter months for bird feed.
- Careful sanitation is the best method to avoid stored product pests.
After removing all food, food packages, utensils, dishes, etc. from the
cupboard, shelves or storage area, use a strong suction vacuum cleaner
with proper attachments to clean up all spilled foods (toaster crumbs,
cornmeal, bits of pet food, raisins, etc.) from cracks and crevices,
behind and under appliances and furniture. Pull out heavy appliances from
the wall and scrub with soap and hot water. The ability of these insects
to find a small amount of food and survive is amazing. After shelves are
thoroughly dry, cover with clean, fresh paper or foil before replacing
with food or cooking utensils. Remove and destroy any cocoons found in
cupboards and other sites.
- Locate the source of infestation and quickly get rid of it. Dispose of
heavily infested foods in wrapped, strong, plastic bags or in sealed
containers for garbage disposal service or bury deep in the soil if
permitted and practical. If detection is made early, it may be the only
material infested and the problem is solved. Be sure to carefully examine
seldom-used foods, especially in least disturbed storage areas. One can
spread suspected foods on a tray to determine whether infestation is
widespread. Inspect unopened cardboard boxes since pests can chew into
these boxes and plastic inserts.
- Pheromone traps are commercially available for inspection, monitoring,
and pinpointing infestations of adult Indianmeal moths. Insects use
pheromones to communicate with each other, and are natural compounds
created in the insect body. Many have been isolated in the laboratory and
now used to lure insects into sticky traps.
Adult moths live only five to seven days with their major function to
reproduce. Male moths are attracted to pheromone scent (sex-attractant).
Traps can be hung indoors next to the ceiling, behind shelves, etc. to
capture moths on a sticky board. In food warehouses, some use five traps
per 1,000 square feet. A few well-placed traps can detect moths.
About one in eight Indianmeal moths that approach a pheromone trap enters
it. The trap alone is a "monitoring tool" not a control method.
- The use of insecticides is discouraged around food materials. However,
aerosol sprays of synergized pyrethrins, labeled for this use, will
control nuisance moths flying around rooms. (Follow label directions and
safety precautions). Killing the adult moths will likely have little or no
effect on the problem because the eggs and larva will be near a food
source.
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