Indian meal moth larva

Natural Habitat

Stored food products, kitchens, pantries, and food processing facilities

Diet & Feeding

Stored grains, cereals, flour, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, chocolate, and pet food

Behavior Patterns

Larvae produce silken webbing as they feed, often causing food to clump; they may crawl away from the food source to pupate on walls or ceilings

Risks & Benefits

Major household and commercial pest that contaminates food with webbing, droppings, and cast skins; non-toxic but results in significant food waste

Identified on: 3/5/2026