Pantry & Fabric Pests
Indian Meal Moth
The most common pantry moth in Canadian homes. It lays eggs in flour, cereal, nuts, pet food and other dried goods.
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Quick facts
- Size
- About 1 cm long
- Colour
- Two-toned wings: pale grey and copper-brown
- Active season
- Year-round indoors
- Where found
- Pantries, kitchen cupboards, pet food, bird seed
How to Identify
- Small moth with two-toned wings
- Wings folded flat over the back at rest
- Larvae are cream-coloured caterpillars
Signs to Look For
- Moths flying in the kitchen, especially in the evening
- Silky webbing inside food packages
- Larvae crawling on cupboard ceilings and shelves
Why It Matters
- Contaminate and spoil stored food
- Spread to every open package in a pantry
- Costly losses for food businesses and retailers
Prevention Tips
- Store dry food in airtight containers
- Use older products first
- Check packages for webbing when buying
- Clean cupboard corners and shelf cracks
More Pantry & Fabric Pests
Related Pests
Moderate risk
Carpet Beetle
Small, round beetles whose larvae feed on wool, fur, feathers and other natural fibres — damaging carpets, clothing and stored items.
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Photo coming soon
Moderate risk
Clothes Moth
Small, golden-beige moths whose larvae eat wool, silk, fur and other animal fibres in closets and storage.
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Moderate risk
Stored Product Pests
A group of small beetles and weevils — such as flour beetles, grain beetles and drugstore beetles — that infest flour, grains, spices and other dry goods.
View pest