Habitat |
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Favouring a cereal or cereal product based diet, the mill moth is frequently found in flour processing and handling environments, bakeries and shops.
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Biology |
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Complete metamorphosis life cycle. Adults emerge in the spring and mate. Females may lay up to 200 eggs over 2 weeks. Larvae are active, secreting and depositing large amounts of silk within the micro-habitat. After 5 or 6 moults, they move upwards toward wall / ceiling junctions where they secure themselves for pupation and emergence after diapause.
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Pest Status |
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Probably the most prevalent of storage moths in UK flour handling premises, this species is a significant pest, and responsible for considerable spoilage due to its presence and activities. Larval silk may lead to blockages in process machinery.
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Control |
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Good hygiene, harbourage denial and quarantine of inbound stock are recommended. Any insecticidal treatments that may be applicable should be timed for adult emergence to achieve maximum effect. Residual sprays should be targeted at resting places and harbourage areas. Monitoring traps can be used as an indication of emergence.
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