Indian meal moth (larvae/eggs)

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments where dried food is stored, such as pantries, kitchens, and food processing plants.

Diet & Feeding

External feeders on stored dry goods including grains, flour, cereal, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, chocolate, and pet food.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae spin silken webs over food surfaces as they feed, which often traps frass (excrement). They are most active at night under low light conditions.

Risks & Benefits

They are major pantry pests that cause significant food waste through contamination by silk and feces. They pose no direct health risk to humans but contaminate food supplies.

Identified on: 4/20/2026