The immature stage are pale colored caterpillars, sometimes with a pinkish tinge. They primarily restrict their feeding to the top area of the food, and they produce a mat of silk through the food as they develop. The distal section of the wing is considerably darker than is the base. Although Indian meal moth can complete a generation within a couple of months and may continuously breed, most often this insect attracts attention during the winter months. These are the full-grown larvae, which disperse from infested foods as they search for places to pupate.
People also learn of the presence of Indian meal moth in the home by observing the flying moths.
Indian meal moth can usually be eradicated if vigorous sanitation measures are taken. All sources of infestation must be identified. Thoroughly examine all susceptible items in pantries, stored seeds, pet food, etc. Foods found to be infested should either be discarded or placed in a deep freezer to kill the larvae. To prevent new infestations, at the same time store all potential foods for the insect in insect proof containers or place them in the refrigerator.