Storage Moths
Nocturnal flyers with a taste for your grain reserves!
Physical characteristics
Storage moths, such as the Angoumois grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella), have a wingspan of 10-16 mm. Forewings are pale yellow to light brown, often with dark spots. Hindwings are lighter with fringed edges.
Biology and behavior
Adults are active at night. Females lay eggs directly on or near grain products. Larvae penetrate the grains and feed from within. Development from egg to adult takes 4-8 weeks, depending on conditions.
Harm
Larvae destroy grains by feeding on their interior. This leads to loss of weight and quality of the produce. Infested grains can develop mold and become unfit for consumption. The presence of moths and their excrement contaminates the produce.
What you can do
Store grain in clean, dry, and cool facilities. Use airtight containers. Regularly inspect stocks for signs of infestation. Freeze small quantities of products for 4 days to destroy all pest stages. Use pheromone traps for early detection.
Professional control
Our approach includes a thorough inspection of storage facilities and identification of infestation sources. We apply a combination of methods, including fumigation for heavy infestations, use of residual insecticides for prevention, and installation of UV and pheromone traps. We offer monitoring programs and preventive treatments. We advise on improving storage practices and implementing integrated pest management systems.