Exterminators in Long Branch, NJ
Challenge
As we servicing a customers home in Long Branch, NJ we noticed an insect larva in the corner of her family room. As we examined we found another larva nearby inside a "sack" or pupae along with a few other flying insects and identified them as Indian meal moths.
Indian meal moths are one of the most commonly reported pests of stored grains in the United States. The larvae are general feeders and can be found in grain products, seeds, dried fruit, dog food, and spices. What we found was the pupae, which are 1/4 to 2/5 inches long and are pale brown in color. Although we found the larvae in the family room pupation takes place away from the infested material. Since they are commonly known as pantry pests, we inspected the pantry's in the kitchen, and low-and-behold, we found a HUGE infestation of Indian meal moths.
Their larvae had infested every single box of cereal inside the pantry. Not only that, but there were even feces and larva inside the cereal! Typically, Indian meal moth larvae cause the most damage by consuming food and by leaving behind their feces, shed skins, silk threads, and other debris in your stored food products.
The customer was mortified and was curious how these pests made their way into her home. We informed her that they are introduced into your home by transporting already infested food products, including pet food and bird seeds, into her home.
Solution
Due to the size of the infestation and the damaged caused by the larva, we had to remove and dispose of all the products stored inside the pantry. This actually removes the breeding and harboring areas of the Indian meal moths and immediately knocks down the population to a more manageable level.
Next, we completely sanitized the pantry and the entire home and applied a liquid residual application that'll eliminate any remaining Indian meal moths. Additionally, we placed several pheromone traps throughout the home. Although the homeowner was quite upset that she had an infestation she was relieved that it is now taken care of thanks to Cowleys.
