Pest Control Auckland
Indian Meal Moth - Pest Control Auckland
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The Indian Meal Moth is a common pest around Auckland. The Indian Meal Moth belongs to the order Leptidoptera.
The Moth lives on grains or grain-based food. The moth you see flying around only lives for two weeks, during which it
doesn't feed, but mates and lays around 200 eggs. The Indian Meal Moth is very good at getting through small spaces to lay
its eggs. Typically foods in containers (grain-based) can be contaminated even though the lid is on. Once the eggs have
hatched the larvae (or maggots) cover the food they are eating in webs. Foods the moths prefer are flours, corn, broken grains,
dried fruit, biscuits, seeds, nuts, powdered milk, chocolate, dog foods and cereals. The larvae are up to 17mm long and
are a dirty white colour with the head capsule being a dark colour. Once the larvae are ready to pupate they move to a
nearby area. This is often the first time people notice the Indian Meal Moth when the maggots start appearing in and around
their pantry. A favourite place to pupate is between the ceiling and the wall or upper skirtings. The pupa have a yellowish
colour and are covered in a web-like material.
NON CHEMICAL TREATMENT: A thorough inspection of grain-based foods is required. Contaminated foods need to be discarded.
Larvae and pupa need to be destroyed and removed. Moths need to be caught and destroyed.
TREATMENT: Once contaminated food has been discarded, all food is removed from the pantry and the pantry and adjacent
wall areas sprayed with a residual insecticide. Sticky moth traps are used to catch the adult moths. Larvae and pupa need to be
destroyed and removed.
TIP: Check underneath packets of products as the folds may hide eggs and larvae.
FREE ASSESSMENT: Call 0800 ACES2U (223 728) for a free estimate.
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Aces Pest Control- Call 0800 ACES2U (223 728)