Indian meal moth (larva)

Natural Habitat

Pantries, food processing plants, and grain storage facilities worldwide

Diet & Feeding

Stored dried products including flour, grains, nuts, birdseed, pet food, and chocolate

Behavior Patterns

Larvae spin silk webbing through their food source as they feed; they often crawl away from food to pupate in crevices

Risks & Benefits

Significant household pest that contaminates food with webbing and frass; not harmful to health if consumed accidentally, but causes food waste

Identified on: 12/27/2025