Latin: Plodia interpunctella
Pests frequently appear in many households, and the moth is a quite common type of pest. In the category of moths, we find the Indianmeal moth, which is also known as Plodia interpunctella. This type of pest can be difficult to control, and ongoing prevention will be a great advantage.
Appearance
The Indian meal moth is characterized by its relatively large size, just under one centimeter. This pest was known in Europe but have now spread throughout the world. It is characterized by the color combination, which consist of a light gray front and a shiny copper-red hind part. The larvae are characteristic with its yellowish-white color and a dark brown head. The larvae will typically be 12-13 mm long.
This Indian meal moth is a well-known pest as it causes major problems in many countries, especially in warmer countries as well as in places where dried fruits, nuts and almonds are a tradition. However, you may also find them in grain and various grain products. The larva is well known as “worm” in chocolate and is often seen here.
Biology and behavior
The Indian meal moth female will begin laying her eggs right after mating and the next 14 days. This pest can lay up to 400 eggs, which also makes it difficult to prevent this pest completely. The eggs are laid in cracks, crevices or directly in the infected foods. The eggs can also be placed in the packaging, after which the larvae will move into the food.
The larvae development depends on two factors: the respective food and temperature.
The favorable temperature for the larvae is approx. 30 degrees, here the duration from larvae to full grown Indianmeal moth is 25 days. Many generations can be added in a year, but typically you will only see 1-2 generations in food warehouses.
During the larvae development, they will shed their skin 4-7 times. This skin will be left behind once they are fully developed. The larvae will gnaw at food, and by that damage the food, but they will also produce a whitish web that will cover the food.
Prevention and pest control
Controlling an attack from this pest can be a long process, as a thorough prevention is necessary. Be sure to store all food in airtight containers or plastic bags to prevent a new attack. This applies both after as well as during an attack. If the moth still appears in the kitchen, there may be a hidden hearth somewhere, where grain or flour have accumulated.
You should regularly look over food products you rarely use. If you suspect an attack you can place food in the freezer for 1-2 days which kills both the larvae as well as the moths.
Pest control in households
Moths in private households will typically occur from a bag of nuts, almonds, or raisins. However, they can also occur in flour, grains, seeds, muesli, or similar products. Discard the moths infested food to get rid of eggs. You can, if the food can tolerate the treatment, heat to a minimum of 55 degrees or place at -18 degrees for 1-2 days, but only for slightly damaged food.
If you find the Indianmeal moth in some foods, you must thoroughly clean drawers and cracks. This can be done with a vacuum cleaner that can suck up any eggs. You can also use insecticides, but here you must be aware that not all remedies are suitable for areas with food storage.
Pest control in companies and stocks
The Indianmeal moth can cause a great deal of damage to large stocks of food, and therefore these attacks must be controlled as soon as possible. The most critical period is July – September when it is necessary to set up traps and review these on a weekly basis. Those traps will make it possible to assess a possible attack, at the time you should control all items in the warehouse, as unattended content in a corner often is the cause.
Controlling larger food stock requires a surface treatment with a long-acting pesticide. These products may only be used on surfaces that are not in contact with food. At the same time, attacks can be effectively controlled in some raw materials by using malathion, cold or heat. At temperatures of a maximum of 10 degrees, eggs will die after 14 days.
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