Indian Meal Moth

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in households, food processing plants, and grain storage facilities worldwide.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on dry stored foods including grains, nuts, dried fruits, flour, chocolate, and pet food.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light; they do not eat. Larvae spin characteristic silken webs over food sources as they feed before crawling to dark crevices to pupate.

Risks & Benefits

Considered a major pest of stored products; causes significant economic loss and food spoilage. They pose no direct medical risk or physical danger to humans.

Identified on: 3/15/2026