True to its name, the Indian Meal Moth will make a meal out of most of your food stuff. Commonly found in grains, seeds, nuts even chocolates, the moth makes its way into stored food and takes up residence there. Sometimes also called the Pantry Moth, because in a home that is were Indian Meal Moths typically end up.

The Indian Meal Moth is a hitchiker, arriving in your home within an already contaminated food source.

The Indian Meal Moth larvae resembles a translucent white caterpiller with segmented body. When the larvae is ready to spin a cocoon, it will leave the food source to locate a place to make a cocoon.

An adult Indian Meal Moth will grow to be 3/8 inches long. They have a long wing span and a dusty brown body. The life cycle stages are: egg, larvae (the larvae can crawl) pupae, and adult.

Common foods these moths travel in include any grains, cereals, cornmeal, bird seed and dry kibble for pets, nuts and even those tiny stuffed play mice that hold the kernel of corn.

Pest Control Tips in Dealing with the Indian Meal Moth

The best way to rid your house of these pests would be to locate the infected food source. Empty out your pantry cupboards, and begin to put every food product back after inspecting the inside of the product. Use a flashlight. Check everything, cornmeal, spices, dry mixes, flour everything. If you see the moths or the larvae, quickly take the food product and seal it in a plastic bag and carry it out to the garbage. Don't just stop at one food product, keep checking them all because the larvae travel.

Insecticides are discouraged because you will also poison your food supply. You can wipe your cupboards and shelves down with hot vinegar and water before you put your food items back.