Indian meal moths are a very common pantry pest. I even had an encounter with indian meal moth larvae while eating crackers as a kid.

With that being said, the moths can be seen flying out of cereal boxes and cupboards; the indian meal moth larvae can be found in the actual products.

The adult moths are actually harmless, more of a nuisance if anything. But the larvae of the moths (also known as waxworms) are what munches on the dry foods in your cupboards.

The indian meal moth larvae enjoy a wide range of food from cereal and crackers to dry pet food and spices.

Have an indian meal moth infestation?  The most effective way to control the moths (and their larvae) is to completely dispose of any food that has been contaminated. The best thing is to remove everything from the cupboards and inspect each item one by one…look for the larvae and any webbing. Once you’ve disposed any items, vacuum (throw out the bag) and clean all shelves, crevices, etc…

Remember, if an item may have been touched by the indian meal moth, play it safe and throw the food away. Do not worry if you have already eaten food that has been infested with the moths, there are no known diseases or parasites carried by the indian meal moths.

Keep indian meal moths away by limiting their food sources. Although the moths and their larvae need very little food to survive, avoid purchasing bulk items that will be consumed slowly and clean up any food spills to keep the moths away. Keep an eye on spices since they often sit for more than 6 months. If you have a recurring problem with the pest, make sure you store food in tightly sealed containers i.e. mason jars with lids or place containers with snap tight lids.

Using traditional pesticides to control indian meal moths is not usually advised because of the close proximity to food.

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