Moths in the Home

Colorado is home to a number of moths, including the so-called “Miller” moths that emerge en masse between spring and early summer, but most of the moths found along Colorado’s Front Range are more nuisance than harmful pest and will not feed, breed or lay eggs in your home.

Miller Moths

Miller moths are the adult version of the army cutworm, which develop primarily in the alfalfa and wheat fields of eastern Colorado. Although Miller moths can cause significant damage to crops during their development, the moths themselves are a mere annoyance that can get into homes and cars when they emerge and migrate, which typically occurs in May and June.

According to the Colorado State University Extension, Miller moths move quickly to higher elevations after their emergence in order to feed on flowering plants. This migration from the low-lying plains to mountainous regions brings waves of Miller moths through heavily populated areas like Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins.

During the warm daylight hours, Miller moths may seek shelter in dark nooks and crannies, which can lead them indoors; likewise, nighttime lights are also attractive to Miller moths. However, Miller moths will not infest clothing or reproduce indoors.

Indian Meal Moths

The Indian meal moth is the most common household pest moth in Colorado.

Less than 1 inch long with broad, grayish bands on bronze-colored wings, Indian meal moths lay their eggs on or near certain food products. While the adult Indian meal moths do not feed, their larvae develop on foods including grain, dried fruits and vegetables, seeds, nuts, powdered milk and dog food. According to CSU Extension, these moths are more likely to develop on foods that are not tightly sealed and may have gone unused for some time.

The continued occurrence of these small moths in the home for longer than a few weeks may indicate an infestation. The presence of Indian meal moth larvae in foods is often accompanied by light webbing on the affected products, and small white worms may also be visible.

Moth Control

In Colorado, where moths that feed on clothing are rare, most moths found in homes have made their way inside inadvertently and pose no risk.

Insecticides are not effective for controlling most types of moths. During the heavy Miller moth migration, CSU Extension recommends sealing doors and windows when moths are most active (early morning and evening), and to reduce lighting at night, which can attract moths when they are most active.

If you’re facing an infestation of Indian meal moths, you should discard the affected food, clean the food storage area, and put any remaining foods that the moths might access in tightly sealed containers. If you still notice the presence of Indian meal moths, you may wish to consult with a pest control expert.

Do you need help dealing with pests in your home or business? Please contact Animal & Pest Control Specialist, Inc. online or call us at 303-987-0842. Our pest control experts are proud to serve customers from the Denver metro area, Fort Collins and along Colorado’s Front Range.