Indian Meal Moth

Indian meal moths are small, about 1/2 inch long, with a distinctive bi-colored appearance. The forewings are bronze or copper-colored on the outer two-thirds and whitish-gray on the inner third. The larvae are cream-colored with brown heads.

Look for webbing in stored food products like grains, cereals, nuts, and dried fruit. You may also see larvae crawling on shelves or walls, or adult moths flying around your kitchen, particularly at dusk. Clumps of infested food stuck together with silken threads are a telltale sign.

MBPC offers targeted treatments to eliminate Indian meal moths from your Grand Strand home. Our licensed technicians will identify the source of the infestation and recommend appropriate measures, which may include removing infested items, thoroughly cleaning affected areas, and applying residual insecticides in cracks and crevices. Prevention is key after treatment.

Store dry goods in airtight containers to prevent moths from accessing them. Regularly inspect stored food items for signs of infestation, especially those purchased in bulk. Clean up spilled food promptly and maintain good sanitation practices in your Myrtle Beach kitchen to discourage these pests.

Indian meal moths thrive in pantries, food storage areas, and grain processing facilities throughout coastal South Carolina. They are attracted to stored grains, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and pet food. Warm temperatures and high humidity, common in Myrtle Beach, facilitate their reproduction.

Peak activity: Year-Round