Moths

Small moths around flour, cereal, or grain often point to an affected stored product. Inspect packages for larvae, webbing, or clumped material. Check nearby dry goods too, even when the first package looks like the only problem.

Remove affected food, clean shelves and corners, and store replacement products in tightly closed containers. In a bakery, mill, or food storage area, the inspection should include equipment and places where flour dust or grain collects. Confirm the moth species before deciding on further control, since not every moth found indoors is a pantry pest.

For a recurring problem in stored food, GL Pest Control can help assess the source and advise on insect control in Winnipeg.

What are moths?

The Mediterranean flour moth or mill moth (Ephestia kuehniella) is a moth of the family Pyralidae. It is a common pest of cereal grains, especially flour. This moth is found throughout the world, especially in countries with temperate climates. It prefers warm temperatures for more rapid development, but it can survive a wide range of temperatures.

The Mediterranean flour moth is frequently found in warm places with stored grain products, such as flour mills and bakeries, where it can breed year round. Flour mills have a particular problem with the Mediterranean flour moth because the caterpillars spin silk that clogs machinery. The most effective pest control strategy for this moth is sanitation of facilities and sealing grain containers to prevent infestation, but some pesticides may also be used.

The most effective pest control method for the Mediterranean flour moth is preventing it from infesting stored grains. This involves basic sanitation practices such as thoroughly cleaning out bins and surrounding areas of the floors and walls to remove old grains and particles of dust. Sealing all cracks and crevices in the building and grain bins can prevent moths from entering. Checking grain bins frequently (especially in warm months) for hot spots, mold, and insects can also reduce risk of infestation. Sanitation is generally the preferred strategy for preventing Mediterranean flour moth infestation. For all your Winnipeg pest control needs choose GL pest control.