The warehouse moth in particular is able to withstand very low humidity, although adults are very sensitive to low temperatures. Third of forewing closest to body cream colour, remainder is copper. The Warehouse Moth Ephestia elutella is the most common pest moth in the U.K. Damage caused by the larvae may be considerable. Foodstuffs are contaminated by the silk, faecal material or frass, and the bodies of the insects themselves. The main moth pest of cereal storage in the U.K. Flour mills, bakeries and shops are also subject to infestations of this organism.
Larval silk is often responsible for blockages in flour chutes and machinery.
The Indian Meal Moth Plodia Interpunctella is usually imported from warm climates in foodstuffs such as peanuts, cocoa beans and dried fruit. As above, infestations at high level can be severely detrimental to product quality.