The two most common species are the Mediterranean flour moth and the Indianmeal moth. The caterpillar of the Mediterranean flour moth is greyish yellow and has black rings and dots and a dark brown head and gets 12-25 mm long. The larva of the the Indianmeal moth is also greyish yellow but has a light, reddish brown head and a length of 12-13 mm. A female can lay up to 700 eggs and the development to adulthood is dependent on temperature. Moth lives mainly on flour, bread, pasta and groats. Some species also attack dried fruit, nuts, cocoa, spices and dry food. The caterpillar spins flour with threads in thick, grey lumps. Moth larvae and butterflies are often found in ceilings.
How to avoid them:
- Keep clean in the larder
- Reaseal flour bags after use
Suitable treatments: cleaning and chemical treatment.