Indian meal moth (likely)

Natural Habitat

Worldwide in human dwellings, particularly pantries, food processing plants, and grain silos

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on stored grains, flour, cornmeal, cereals, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and pet food; adults do not feed

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal flyers that are attracted to light. Larvae spin silken webs in food sources where they develop before crawling away into crevices to pupate.

Risks & Benefits

Significant household pest that causes food spoilage through silk webbing, fecal matter, and cast skins; non-toxic to humans but requires discarded food and deep cleaning for control.

Identified on: 1/13/2026