Indian meal moth (larva)

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments such as kitchens, pantries, and food processing facilities where stored grains or dry goods are kept.

Diet & Feeding

Stored food products including flour, cereal, dry pasta, nuts, chocolate, birdseed, and dried fruit.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae produce silk webbing as they feed, which contaminates food. They are known for 'wandering' away from their food source to find a high point (like a wall or ceiling) to spin a cocoon and pupate.

Risks & Benefits

They are a major household pest that causes significant food waste through contamination/shelf-life reduction. They do not bite or carry diseases, but their presence indicates an infestation of dry goods.

Identified on: 3/17/2026