Its color is pearly white at first, and then becomes pale yellow before hatching. The larva molts four times. Tomato pinworm larvae are characteristically very active and wriggle when touched. The pupal stage lasts eight to 20 days depending on temperature. The adult resembles a clothes moth in size and color.
Monitoring is key to detecting initial populations and preventing any build-up.
This is most efficiently done by weekly inspection of pheromone traps that are placed in the greenhouse throughout the season to detect male adults. Note that the pheromone lures that are placed in the traps must be replaced regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Thorough clean-up of an infested crop is essential to preventing, or at least minimizing, carryover of populations to the next crop. Ensure that all crop debris is properly destroyed by burning or burying deeply. Adults cannot emerge normally if the pupal stages are buried at least 7 to 9 cm in the soil.