Indian Meal Moth

Indian Meal MothIndian Meal Moth Larvae

Indian meal moth adults have a 5/8″ to ¾” wing span. The wings are a copper brownish color with a grey band near where the wings attach to the body. The larvae are about ½” long and dirty white in color. The head is a reddish-brown color.

Order/Family

Lepidoptera/Pyralidae

Scientific Name

Plodia Interpunctella

Biology

Adult females lay 100-400 eggs at night over a period of about 18 days. The larval development requires 13- 288 days. The average life cycle, egg to egg, requires 25- 135 days. There are usually 6 generations per year.

Behavior

Indian meal moths infest common stored products such as whole grains, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, beans, crackers, biscuits, dried dog food, bird seed and red peppers. The larvae produce silk webbing over the surface of the materials upon which they are feeding.

The larvae move into cracks and crevices in the food material, feeding within or near this silken mat. The mature larvae often move away from the infested materials to pupate in cracks and crevices. This behavioural pattern often allows them to be discovered by home owners.

Control

All infested items must be discarded and all uninfected products should be placed in insect-proof containers. Shelves and cupboards should be thoroughly vacuumed and treated with a residual pesticide. Pheromone traps can used to help locate areas of activity.

Need help with Pest Control or Extermination?

Call A to Z Pest Control at 1-844-ATOZPEST or email us at service@www.atozpest.com.

Clothing Moth

clothing-moth

Adult, case making clothes moths are approximately 3/8 to ½ inch from wing tip to wing tip. The wings and body are buff to golden with a brown tinge, and the front wings have three dark spots. However, these distinguishing characteristics are often rubbed off.

The larvae are small caterpillars, 3/8 inch long in size, that live within a small portable, silken case. The larvae have dark head capsules and the first thoracic segment is dark brown or black.

Order/Family

Lepidoptera/Tineidae

Scientific Name

Tinea Pellionella

Biology

Female clothes moths begin laying eggs (37-48) singly on suitable larval food the day after emerging as an adult. The larva feed for about 33-90 days and moults 5-11 times.

The insect then pupates within the silken larval case. Development time from egg to adult requires 46-116 days. Adults may lay eggs year round in northern areas, but have only one generation per year.

Behavior
The clothes moths prefer products of animal origin, secondarily feeding on products of plant origin. It is a pest of woollens, rugs, feathers, felts, skins, drugs, furs, and stored tobacco.

Case making clothes moths shun light, and although the males are active fliers, the females fly only short distances.

Control
The key to controlling this pest is through thorough inspection and identification of infested materials. Infested rugs, carpets, and furniture should be cleaned thoroughly and protected with a residual insecticide application. Larvae are easily removed from infested clothing by cleaning or laundering.

Need help with Pest Control or Extermination?

Call A to Z Pest Control at 1-844-ATOZPEST or email us at service@www.atozpest.com.

A to Z Pest Control services New Jersey and Philadelphia. If you have a problem with Bed Bugs, Termites, AntsRodentsBirds, or any other pest please contact us!