Stored Grain: Indian Meal Moth (Plodia interpuctella)

Excerpt from Chapter 7, Field Crop Protection Guide, Order this publication

Table of Contents

1. Integrated Pest Management Options
   • Protectant
• diatomaceous earth – Protect-It
• Fumigant
• aluminum phosphide – Fumitoxin, Phostoxin, Gastoxin
2. Related links...

Indian meal moths leave webbing on the top of the grain pile.

Integrated Pest Management Options

The key to controlling stored-grain insects is prevention through good sanitation and storage practices. See OMAFRA Publication 811, Agronomy Guide for Field Crops, for more information on stored grain insect management.

Protectant

Comments
Apply at monthly intervals with the first appearance of moths and continue until early fall. In severe infestations, break up webbing with a rake before dusting and make second application 2 weeks later. Can be applied to dry containers where grain is transported or stored. The structure must remain empty for 1-2 weeks. For maximum effectiveness, the relative humidity must remain below 55% and the temperature above 15°C (59°F). See label for spot and crack treatment rates. Dust may be applied to grain as it enters the auger or conveyor feeder system during grain transfer into storage facility.

Fumigant

Comments
Must be applied by a professional licensed applicator. Do not fumigate below 5°C (40°F). Exposure to moist air or liquids releases flammable and toxic phosphine gas. Ensure bin is as tightly sealed as possible. Not to be used for vacuum fumigations. See label for minimum length of pest exposure periods at various temperatures.

Related links...

• Agronomy Guide for Field Crops - Publication 811
  • Stored Grain
• Insect