Indian meal moth (larva/case)

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in kitchens, pantries, and food processing facilities where stored grains or dried goods are present.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide range of dry stored foods including grains, cereal, flour, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, chocolate, and pet food.

Behavior Patterns

The larvae spin silken webs and cases as they feed, often leaving behind clumped food particles. They eventually crawl away from their food source to pupate in cracks, crevices, or onto walls and ceilings.

Risks & Benefits

They are major pests of stored products and can cause significant food waste through contamination with webbing and frass. They do not bite or sting and are not known to transmit diseases to humans.

Identified on: 6/13/2026