Hello,

That is a Meal Moth, Pyralis farinalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

This moth is typically found breeding in damp locations, such as in straw, vegetable refuse, or moldy leaves. It is also a pest of stored food products. It can occur in large numbers in granaries, warehouses, and homes.

The meal moth has a wingspread of about 1-inch. The base and apex of the forewing are reddish brown, with the middle portion pale, but bordered on each side by a wavy, white line. A row of black dots occurs along the posterior margin. The dirty-gray larva, with a dark head and prothoracic shield, is about inch long when full-grown. During warm weather, a life cycle (egg to egg-laying adult) may be completed in 6 to 8 weeks.

The best way to control this pest is to locate and remove the source of the infestation. Inspect the home or building, especially any damp locations, for accumulations of straw, leaves, or vegetable refuse. If the source cannot be found in these areas, then its time to check the kitchen cupboards. Begin with those items that have been in the cupboard the longest and check all opened packages of flour, noodles, cereal, dried fruits, nuts, spices and even dog food and birdseed for moths, caterpillars and webbing. Discard any these food items found which are infested. It may be necessary to thoroughly scrub the cupboards and kitchen area with a strong detergent. Inspect behind and under appliances for spilled food material that can harbor these insects and remove if found. Once the area is clean, any household insecticide containing pyrethrins (like Raid) can be applied, if you so desire, to the area but not to the food. Adult moths live up to a month, so you may continue to see the moths for a few weeks after the source of the infestation has been removed. If the problem persists, store foodstuffs in tightly sealed plastic containers or freezer bags until the moths are no longer seen. Be sure to read and follow all instructions and safety precautions found on the label before using any pesticide.

Regards,

Howard

Tell us about your experience with our service by completing the brief (5 min.), anonymous MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Feedback Survey.



No.