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Tiny beige moth infestation #935888

Asked June 17, 2026, 2:48 PM EDT

A few months ago we returned from vacation and found these small tiny moths, at first in our main story bathroom and then through the main floor area. Prior to that we have never seen such a pest. We have checked drains, emptied cupboards and generally checked any areas we thought might be the source. For the most part we see two or three a day. We do have an electric insect light in the kitchen and have numerous stuck in there. At no point have we seen any of these moths fly out of a cupboard or any other area. We would appreciate any suggestions. I am sending along some photos. Thank you, Ken Cartier

Kent County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello Kenneth,

I cannot identify the insect from the images that you provided.

Please send me new images with the insects on a white sheet of paper. Thank you!

My Picture It Insect App is identifying this as a Cockroach - I don't believe this is a cockroach!

I need the identification to answer the question correctly. Thank you!

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 17, 2026, 7:55 PM EDT
     We are trying to capture one of these critters but here are a couple of photos we took of a live one on a wall.  Will this help?  Thet are only about a 1/4 inch long, if that. 
On Wed, Jun 17, 2026 at 7:55 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2026, 6:40 AM EDT

Hello again, Ken

Those additional images did help! I identified this as an Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella)

No need to capture!

From the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic article: Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella)

This insect is a common kitchen pest that infests milled cereal products and other foodstuffs. The adult moth is about one-half of an inch long with reddish-brown wing tips. Female moths lay 100 to 300 eggs on food material, which hatch into small, whitish caterpillars that feed on just about everything. When mature, the caterpillars are about one-half of an inch long and may have a greenish or pinkish hue. Mature larvae are often seen crawling about on walls and ceilings searching for places to spin a cocoon. During warm weather, a life cycle (egg to egg-laying adult) may be completed in 6 to 8 weeks.

The best way to control this pest is by employing the Inspect-and-Discard Method. Begin with the items that have been in the cupboard the longest, and check all open packages of flour, noodles, cereal, dried fruit, nuts, spices, and even dog food and birdseed for moths, caterpillars, and webbing. Discard any infested food items. It may be necessary to thoroughly scrub the cupboards and kitchen area with a strong detergent. Inspect behind and under appliances for spilled food material that can harbor these insects, and remove if found. Once the area is clean, any household insecticide containing pyrethrins (such as Raid) can be applied if you so desire. Be careful not to contaminate food with insecticides used in and around food and food-preparation areas. Adult moths live for up to a month, so you may continue to see them for a few weeks after the source of the infestation has been removed. If the problem persists, store foodstuffs in tightly sealed plastic containers
or freezer bags until the moths are no longer seen.

The article is at this link:

Indian meal moth - Plant & Pest Diagnostics

I hope this helps!






An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 19, 2026, 8:48 AM EDT
Thank you
On Fri, Jun 19, 2026 at 8:48 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2026, 6:30 AM EDT

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