Stored Product Moths
Overview
Moth larvae can cause considerable damage to stored goods either by feeding, or by contaminating the goods with their own
products, eg 'webbing' and 'frass'.
Adult moths are not responsible for any damage as they feed on liquid food and water, or do not feed at all. Larvae present the
problem, by living in (and therefore contaminating) the food substrate, and due to their by-products 'webbing' and 'frass'.
Webbing can completely coat commodities, and may be responsible for choking and blocking machinery and ducts. These
problems can be exacerbated when webbing is mixed with debris and droppings to form frass.
Whilst good hygiene and housekeeping are all-important in the control of stored product moths, careful monitoring and targeted
insecticidal treatments remain a significant tool in the control of this significant group of pests.
Click on the links to the left to find out more on individual UK species.
