
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
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