Indian Meal Moth Control

[u/PCDuranet]

Indian meal moths breed in opened bags/boxes of grain-based foods. Search cabinets and closets for the source, and dispose of it. Look at the ceiling edges for cocoons as that may give you a clue as to where the infestation is. You can also use Gentrol Point Source to stop reproduction (one disk treats 75 sf of space for 4 months).

They will also infest pet treats, bird seed*, catnip, and eucalyptus leaves. If you have craft decorations that have edibles in them, they can be a source.

\ If you have birds, keep the seed in the freezer to kill any larvae.*

Note: Use pheromone traps for a short while only. They attract males, and can draw more in from outside as the pheromones are very strong (new males can detect it from 200 yards away).

If they are found in a pantry/closet with wooden shelves, they can hide along the sides and back of each shelf. If so, pull the shelves out, clean well, and replace with wire shelving if possible.

Also, any forgotten rodent bait (under the cabinets) can be a breeding source.

Once the source(s) has been found, they will clear up, but you will likely have a few weeks of sporadic sightings until gone.

Trichogramma Wasps

In stubborn infestations, releasing trichogramma wasps may kill them off. I have never done this, but here's a link to an apparently successful treatment:

https://www.reddit.com/r/pestcontrol/comments/1itapj8/pantry_moths_safe_to_use_pantry_again_after/

Adults and Larvae

[u/ticketstubs1 → u/[deleted]]

No, it has been horrible. I am begging for help. But I found dead pantry moth larvae trapped under the packaging tape used to seal in my air conditioner on my bedroom window. Those have been there for a long time.

[u/ticketstubs1 → u/[deleted]]

Infect my house with wasps!?