How to Identify Grain Moths

Grain moths are commonly found in processed foods like popcorn, flour, rice, as well as on grain plants. Many times they are also found feeding on birdseed stored in a garage, from which they make their way into a house. Keeping food securely closed will prevent grain moths from getting inside. Identifying grain moths is easy as they are much smaller than regular moths that are found flying around outside.

Varieties of Grain Moths

There are three different kinds of grain moths: Mediterranean, angoumois, and Indian meal. These are identified as follows:

• Mediterranean grain moths average 1/2 inch in size and have two-toned brown and tan wings. The upper part of the body is usually light brown. This variety of grain moth has long antennae and will spin silk webbing for its home.
• Angoumois grain moths are solid brown in color. They measure 1/3 inch in size and are commonly found among popcorn kernels. The female of the species lays her eggs among the kernels, which then feed upon the kernels once they hatch from the eggs.
• Indian meal moths are also tan and brown in color like the Mediterranean ones but also have brown stripes located at the base of the body near the tail. They measure 3/8 inch in size and lay tiny white eggs. They make their nests in packaged dried grains.