Knowledgebase
What’s this tiny insect? #866003
Asked April 26, 2024, 1:58 PM EDT
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension.
According to my app this is an Indianmeal moth. These insects usually are found in dried foods and/or birdseed. Usually they come in to your home from a store bought dried food. So if you can tell where they are coming from, you need to remove that item(s). Indian Meal moth infestations begin with stored foods that contain the pest's eggs. When they hatch, larvae feed on materials like flour, cereals, and nuts. The pests may infest pantry goods during production, in the store, or at home.
Once they begin to breed and hatch they quickly become a pest.
Please go to:extension.umn.edu and search for Pantry pests. This will give a good description, pictures and information as to how to get rid of them.
Putting dried foods, seeds, etc. into containers is a great way to control them.
Your last defense would be to call a licensed exterminator.
good luck!