Ephestia Flour Moths are stored-product pests that infest dry food materials such as flour, grains, and cereals. These moths are closely related to pantry moths and are commonly found in homes, warehouses, and food processing facilities.
Classification
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Pyralidae
Physical Description
Adult moths are small with gray or brown wings. Larvae are cream-colored caterpillars that feed on stored products.
Behavior and Damage
Larvae contaminate food with silk webbing and frass, making products unsuitable for consumption.
Management
- Discard infested food
- Clean storage areas thoroughly
- Use airtight containers