The 4 Steps For Effective Indian Meal Moth Control

Indian Meal Moths, commonly known as Plodia interpunctella, often find their way into residential or commercial spaces through inadvertent transportation alongside infested food products.

We recommend implementing strategic environmental modifications to effectively deter any potential future infestations.

As pest control experts, we highly recommend utilizing plastic containers for the storage of your food goods. This will effectively deter pests from accessing and contaminating your supplies.

Additionally, we advise purchasing only a week’s worth of food goods to avoid prolonged storage in your pantry, as this can attract unwanted pests.

Keep reading this article as we identify this pest and mention effective ways to carry out pest control.

 

Step 1: How To Identify the Indian Meal Moth?

• The adult Indian meal moths, commonly known as Plodia interpunctella, typically measure approximately 1/2 an inch in size. They possess a wingspan of about 3/4th of an inch and are easily recognized by their elongated antennae.
• As pest control experts, we can inform you that adult pests possess a distinctive wing structure. These wings exhibit a specific pattern, consisting of one half that is light brown in color, while the other half is dark brown with noticeable dark streaks.
• Adults typically position their wings in a triangular formation, resembling the shape of a roof, as a means of resting.
• During the larval stage of the Indian Meal Moth, the Meal Moth undergoes a transformation into a caterpillar-like creature. During this critical phase, Indian meal moths pose a significant threat and can cause extensive damage.
• The larvae, commonly measuring approximately 1/2 an inch, exhibit a cream-coloured appearance with dark brown heads. However, it is worth noting that these larvae may also manifest in shades of pink, green, and brown.
• The presence of Indian Meal Moth larvae can be detected by the presence of unsightly webbing, faecal matter, cast skins, and egg shells in the infested food.
• The Indian meal moths have a tendency to undergo pupation either within their chosen food source or in a separate location, distinct from the area of infestation.
• The Indian Meal Moth, commonly confused with the webbing clothes moth, is often misidentified due to their striking resemblance.
  However, it is important to note that the webbing clothes moth is specifically a fabric pest. Indian meal moths are well-known for their destructive tendencies when it comes to stored food items rather than fabric.

 

Read also: The 4 Steps For Proper Starling Control

 

Step 2: How To Inspect For the Indian Meal Moth?

When inspecting the interior of your premises, it is advisable to thoroughly examine the areas where food goods are typically stored.

Ensure that you thoroughly inspect your pantries, shelves, cabinets, garages, and even pet food for any signs of unwanted pests.

As pest control experts, it is crucial to thoroughly examine each and every food product that enters your premises if it is packaged in a cardboard box.

As pest control experts, we will thoroughly inspect your cereals, grains, flour, pasta, starches, spices, herbs, and other related items.

We specialize in identifying and addressing the presence of Indian Meal Moth larvae, pupae, and adult moths in various products.

Our expert pest control technicians are skilled in identifying various signs of infestation, such as the discovery of larvae within boxes, eggs, skin shells, webbings, droppings, or adult Indian Meal Moths.

If you happen to notice any of your food products being invaded by larvae and Indian Meal Moths, this is precisely the area where our specialized treatment will be applied.

Indian Meal Moths, commonly known as pantry pests, exhibit phototropic behaviour. This means that they possess a natural inclination to be drawn towards sources of light.

Consequently, when a light is switched on or they come across any form of illumination, these pesky moths will take flight and gravitate towards it.

As pest control experts, we frequently encounter situations where homeowners encounter Indian Meal Moths during the nighttime hours.

It is not uncommon for individuals to notice these pests when they switch on their kitchen lights and inspect their pantry, only to witness the Indian Meal Moth swiftly fluttering about in a rather unpredictable manner.

 

Step 3: How To Treat Against Indian Meal Moth?

• Apply Pyrid Aerosol:

Pyrid Aerosol, the ultimate insecticide aerosol, is specifically designed to swiftly eliminate those pesky crawling and flying pests that invade your space. It is the go-to solution for treating a diverse range of unwelcome critters.

Pyrid is the ideal solution for effectively eliminating adult moths and larvae that have taken refuge in the hard-to-reach cracks and crevices of your pantry.

For optimal application, kindly ensure that you vigorously shake the canister before proceeding. Next, securely affix the red applicator tip to the uppermost part of the can.

Finally, expertly dispense the solution by evenly spraying it along the entirety of your pantry’s cracks and crevices.

• Apply the Novacide Flea and Tick Killer:

Novacide, our exceptional insecticide, boasts an impressive IGR, also known as an Insect Growth Regulator.

This powerful component specifically targets the immature phases of Indian Meal Moths, rendering them incapable of maturing into fully grown adults.

Our expert pest control team assures you that the efficacy of an application can be maintained for a span of 7 months, thus eliminating the need for frequent reapplication.

In order to effectively address the pest issue in your pantry, it is crucial to follow the proper pest control procedures. Begin by ensuring that the pantry is completely emptied of all food items. To safely apply Novacide, it is essential to prioritize your personal safety.

Therefore, please equip yourself with a safety mask, gloves, and protective eyewear before proceeding. For optimal pest control results, it is recommended to thoroughly shake the can of Novacide before proceeding.

Once properly shaken, expertly apply a gentle mist of Novacide in brief bursts to effectively treat the intricate crevices where shelving seamlessly meets the wall.

As pest control experts, we recommend applying the spray solution carefully and precisely within cabinets and shelving areas.

Ensure an even distribution by spraying at a rate of approximately 1 to 2 inches per every couple of inches.

We recommend applying a thorough treatment to all surfaces of your cabinets, shelves, or pantries where stored food goods are kept. This includes spraying the top, bottom, and sides of these areas.

For optimal safety, we strongly advise against allowing individuals or beloved pets to access areas that have been treated with our potent pest control solutions until a minimum of 2 to 4 hours have elapsed.

• Apply the Pro-Pest Pantry Pest Traps:

Pesticide-free trap that employs a pheromone-scented adhesive board to catch Indian meal moths without harming the environment.

After the trap has been pre-baited, it is folded into a pyramid shape and the protective paper is removed from the adhesive.

The trap uses pheromones to attract Indian meal moths, which then become trapped in the adhesive.

This is a fantastic, low-effort instrument that can be used for up to three months. Each trap can protect an area of about 100 square feet.

All you have to do is put the pheromone pads in the middle of the glue board. You can make tents out of them and pitch them near the infected area. The average lifespan of these traps is 3 months.

 

Read also: How To Effectively Get Rid of Pigeons

 

How To Prevent the Indian Meal Moth?

Once the Indian Meal Moth infestation has been successfully eradicated, it is highly recommended to implement proactive measures to ensure their unwelcome reappearance in your pantry is prevented.

As seasoned pest control experts, we highly recommend implementing a routine inspection of your pantry, particularly following your grocery shopping endeavours.

To ensure the utmost protection against pesky intruders, we highly recommend transferring your precious dried food items into sturdy, impenetrable hard plastic containers.

This simple yet effective measure will fortify your defences, leaving no room for unwanted guests to infiltrate your pantry.

Say goodbye to their original packaging and embrace the impenetrable shield of pest control.

As pest control experts, we highly recommend refraining from purchasing dried food items in bulk and exercising caution when it comes to overbuying.

Ensuring that your pantries, shelving, and cabinets are free from excessive food goods that go unused for extended periods of time is crucial in preventing a potential reinvasion.

Our esteemed customers can rest assured that the Pro-Pest Pantry Pest Trap is a highly effective tool that can be utilized all year round to diligently monitor and detect any potential infestations in your pantry.

As pest control experts, we highly recommend utilizing plastic containers for the storage of your food goods. It is essential to remove them from their original packaging to prevent any potential pest infestations.

Our expert pest control services are designed to effectively address the issue of Indian Meal Moth infestations, whether they originate from external sources or are already present within your premises due to contaminated food packages.

 

Read also: Grain Borer Control: The 4 Steps To Follow

 

Watch an Explanatory Video on Effective Indian Meal Moth Control

 

Conclusion

In the realm of food processing facilities, our utmost dedication lies in ensuring that the food prepared and packaged remains impervious to the presence of pantry pests.

However, it is an unfortunate reality that certain resilient insects manage to slip through the cracks and infiltrate the very food items that grace the shelves of grocery stores.

These troublesome pests have a knack for contaminating a greater quantity of food than they consume. When fully grown, they refrain from feeding. As pest control experts, we understand that once they reach maturity, their feeding habits cease.

We recommend strategically positioning Pro-Pest Pantry Moth Traps throughout your pantry shelves. These traps are specifically designed to attract and ensnare any persistent Indian Meal Moths that may be lurking in your pantry.

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