Bug Identifier
Indian meal moth (larva/poop/waste)
Community identification

Indian meal moth (larva/poop/waste)

Plodia interpunctella

Order & Family
Lepidoptera: Pyralidae
Size
Larvae grow up to 12-13 mm (0.5 inches); fecal pellets (frass) are microscopic to sub-millimeter
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Pantries, kitchens, food processing plants, and grain storage facilities

Diet & Feeding

Stored grains, flour, cereal, nuts, dried fruit, pet food, and birdseed

Behavior Patterns

Larvae spin silk webbing in food sources as they feed; they often crawl away from food sources to pupate in wall crevices or ceiling corners

Risks & Benefits

Major household pest that contaminates food with webbing and waste; non-toxic but causes significant economic loss and food spoilage