Pittsburgh Indian Meal Moth Control Exterminator
It’s not just your family that gets excited when you bring home groceries! They take pleasure in laying eggs deep in containers of cereals, grain or meal products, and sometime in the past you have unknowingly carried these ticking moth bombs into your pantry with your family and/or pet food. A moth here and there at first, but over time, the population reaches the point where you know something’s wrong. The Indian meal moth is a common pantry pest characterized by distinctive reddish-brown markings on the outside part of their wings. Adult Indian meal moths are active at night and much like other moths are attracted to light. The larvae of the Indian Meal Moth hatch out of eggs that have been deposited into grains that are infested. The larvae can grow up to a half an inch long and usually yellow, green or pinkish. When fully grown larvae leave a trail of webbing that is a sure sign of an Indian Meal Moth infestation. This larvae stage is the most destructive feeding upon grain that the eggs were deposited in.
What can I do to help the situation? Once the moths are in your home, there’s very little that homeowners can do to effectively solve the issue. The best countermeasures to a possible infestation are putting Sparky’s dog food, pastas and other grain products in airtight plastic containers.
What can I do to rid myself of these insects? If you find these moths, larva or webbing in your food, pantry or anywhere else, don’t panic, we are here to help. At Budget Pest Control Inc. not only are we experienced in dealing with these disgusting pests, but we use the latest technology attacking all stages of the moth development. Call one of our friendly regarding our Indian Meal Moth Control, informative office personnel and we can walk you thru a simple step by step process needed to prepare your home for the final elimination of these egg bomb layers. In addition, our certified, experienced technicians can advise you on ways to keep your home moth free and your food….yours.
Give us a call 24/7! After a brief chat with one of our friendly office personnel, you will be armed with information, an estimate for Indian Meal Moth Control and if you wish, one of our service technicians out to your home 7 days a week in a jiffy!
Stats
Indian meal moths can be identified by their unique patterning shown on the wings, which are mainly white with about 1/3 of the wing being marked by a reddish-copper that will extend to the final third, which is usually grey or silver in color. They are roughly ¾ of an inch in size with their wings fully extended. They may also be identified by their larvae, which are ½-5/8 of an inch in size, and can be compared to a grain of rice with a brown-ish head.
Did You Know?
- Indian meal moth larvae are much more commonly known as waxworms, which are used as fishing bait and snacks for many domesticated pets like reptiles or small mammals.
- Their name is not a reference of where they come from, but rather an outdated term. The term “Indian meal” is an old-time name for cornmeal, which is where the moths are quite often found.
- Indian meal moths are one of the few pests that do not (in most cases) make their way into homes willingly; they are usually transported in via grain-based products.
Myths & Facts
MYTH: Any indication of moths within a home means you have an issue with Indian Meal Moths.
FACT: There are several types of moths that may enter a home. The two that are an infestation vector are the Indian Meal Moth and Clothing Moth. Most moths that enter a home of their own free will do so by accident, whereas moths that present an infestation risk are brought into homes via objects.
Signs of An Infestation
- Webbing found in grain, cereal and meal products is a common sign of infestation. It is also common to find this webbing in areas near stored grains, usually in pantries or in the corners of rooms.
- The most obvious signs of Indian Meal Moths will be the presence of moths in the kitchen, storage areas or near pet feeding areas. These insects can be easily identified by their wing patterns as well as their attraction to light in darker areas.
- The presence of cocoons and pupae within boxed grain and meal materials is also a definite sign of infestation. This sort of evidence is associated with boxed pastas, bread mixes, cake mixes, meals and cereals.
