A variety of insects infest nearly any type of dried food stored in the pantry. These pests may be brought in as eggs or larvae in purchased food, or adult insects may be attracted to food for egg laying from nearby infestations within the home or from outdoors.

ANGOUMOIS GRAIN MOTHS are similar in size and color to clothes moths, but the larvae feed only on whole kernels of corn, wheat, popcorn, Indian corn decorations, and seeds in dry flower arrangements and bulk-stored grains. No woolens. Adult moths will fly around homes in the daytimes, while clothes moths shun the light. This is the tiny, fluttering critter that will watch television with you at night and cause your wife to run for the mothballs.

GRAIN BEETLES, FLOUR BEETLES, CIGARETTE BEETLES AND DRUGSTORE BEETLES are small, reddish-brown to cinnamon colored beetles that enjoy collecting around light fixtures. The larvae are small, cream-colored worms with dark brown heads. They infest flour, dried pet food, meal, macaroni, cereals, crackers, prepared cake mixes, spices and dried fruits. The adults feed on the same foods. (If you find some of those little brown-headed worms in your flour supply, don’t waste the flour. Bake a fast chocolate cake. No one will ever know; I won’t tell.)

FLOUR MOTHS are about inch long. Typical examples are the INDIAN MEAL MOTH and the MEDITERRANEAN FLOUR MOTH. The larvae will leave their food site and wander around searching for a suitable place to pupate. The moths are strong fliers and often are found flying in proximity to the infestation site.

CONTROL CLUE, simple put, seek out the source and destroy. Thoroughly wash food containers and shelves with hot, soapy water; store fresh pantry food products in your freezer; call your pest control operator for the tough control problems.