Observation
Remotus spots these unwelcome pests with ease. Indian meal moths are small moths with a wingspan of about 1/2 inch. They have a distinctive appearance, with the outer half of their wings being a reddish-brown or coppery color and the inner half a pale gray or cream. You’ll often notice them fluttering around your kitchen or pantry, especially near dried food products. Remotus advises you to look for larvae (tiny caterpillars) in stored foods like grains, nuts, flour, and dried fruit, as well as webbing inside food packaging.
Outlook
Remotus knows the frustration these pests can cause. Indian meal moths can quickly infest and contaminate a wide range of stored food products, leading to significant waste and the need to discard affected items. Their presence often indicates an underlying infestation, as the larvae are the ones doing the damage by feeding on food items. Remotus stresses the importance of identifying and eliminating the source of the infestation to prevent it from spreading. Treatment typically takes a few weeks, involving the removal of infested items, thorough cleaning, and the use of insecticides or traps to eliminate remaining pests.
Gateways
Remotus understands how they infiltrate. Indian meal moths often enter homes through infested food products purchased from stores. They can also enter through open windows or doors, attracted by light. Remotus recommends inspecting all food items before storing them, using airtight containers to protect food, and keeping pantry areas clean and well-organized to prevent these pests from establishing a foothold in your home.