Small Moths. Big Pantry Problems.
Indian meal moths are one of the most common—and destructive—pantry pests found in homes, restaurants, grocery stores, and food storage facilities. Though small, their larvae infest and contaminate a wide range of dry goods, including grains, pet food, cereals, flour, nuts, and dried fruit. What starts as a minor annoyance can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation if not addressed early. At Blackwood Pest Solutions, we take a comprehensive approach to pantry pest control—identifying the source, eliminating active infestations, and preventing future problems with safe, food-grade solutions.
What Are Indian Meal Moths?
Indian meal moths are small—about 1/2 inch long—with distinctive gray and copper-toned wings. While adult moths don’t feed, their larvae cause the damage. These caterpillar-like pests consume and contaminate food with their droppings and sticky webbing, making products unusable.
They’re commonly found in:
- Flour, rice, and cereal
- Spices, pasta, and baking mixes
- Pet food and birdseed
- Dried fruits and nuts
How They Get In
Indian meal moths often enter homes or businesses through contaminated packaged goods. Once inside, they spread rapidly—especially when food is stored in unsealed containers or left too long without rotation. Larvae can chew through thin plastic, cardboard, and paper to access stored products.
Signs of an Infestation
- Small moths flying around kitchens or pantries, especially at night
- Fine silk webbing inside containers or on pantry shelves
- Tiny white or cream-colored larvae crawling on dry food or packaging
- A musty or stale smell coming from infested food items
Because they are fast breeders, even one overlooked product can lead to a widespread infestation.
Other Pantry Moths to Know
While Indian meal moths are the most common, other pantry moths can also infest dry food
- Mediterranean Flour Moth – Known for heavy webbing in flour and powdered goods
- Almond Moth – Targets nuts, seeds, and processed foods
- Angoumois Grain Moth – Infests whole grains like corn and wheat
All pose similar risks and require prompt, professional intervention.
Prevention Tips
- Store dry goods in airtight glass, metal, or heavy plastic containers
- Inspect food packages—especially bulk and pet food—before bringing them home
- Clean pantry shelves regularly with soap and water
- Practice “first in, first out” to rotate older products
- Vacuum pantry corners and cracks where eggs or crumbs might collect
- Discard expired or unused food products periodically
Our Indian Meal Moth Control Approach
At Blackwood Pest Solutions, we understand how frustrating pantry pests like Indian meal moths can be. Our approach goes beyond surface-level removal—we target the source. Our licensed technicians inspect food storage areas to locate infested products and nesting zones. We then remove contaminated items, clean and treat storage spaces, and apply safe, targeted treatments to eliminate adult moths and larvae. We also provide tips on food storage and pantry maintenance to help ensure a moth-free kitchen moving forward.
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