How to Keep Mealy Moths Out of Food

Mealy moths, also called Indianmeal moths, commonly infest a variety of foods, including grains, pet food, dried fruit and pasta. They are approximately 3/8 inch long with gray or light yellow bodies and russet-edged wings. Their larvae look like white worms with dark black heads and are often found crawling in food products. Mealy moths leave behind webbing in the foods they infest, making an infestation difficult to miss even after the adult moths have hatched and flown away. Adult mealy moths are capable of chewing through cardboard packages so foods must be stored securely to prevent an infestation.

Lidded plastic or glass containers
Zip-lock bags

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase foods that mealy moths commonly infest in quantities small enough to use quickly.
- 2
  Inspect food packages for damage or signs of webbing before purchasing them, as some grocery stores battle the moths as well.
- 3
  Store foods that mealy worms commonly infest in tightly sealed, lidded plastic or glass containers. Store the filled containers inside the refrigerator or inside the freezer. Make sure that glass containers have a rubber seal around the lids to keep mealy moths from gaining access.
- 4
  Close storage containers promptly to keep the insects out.
- 5
  Clean up food spills quickly and empty crumbs from the toaster tray often so that mealy moths have fewer places to feed.
- 6
  Place infested foods into zip-lock bags and dispose of them in an outdoor trash receptacle promptly to keep an infestation from spreading.

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