Indian meal moth (larva)

Natural Habitat

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

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on dried grains, flours, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, birdseed, and pet food

Behavior Patterns

Larvae spin silken webs as they feed across the surface of a food source; they often crawl away from food to walls or ceilings to pupate

Risks & Benefits

Major household and commercial pest that causes significant food waste through contamination with webbing and frass; poses no direct health risk or bite to humans

Identified on: 12/30/2025