The Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella) is a pantry pest that infests flour, baking mixes, cereals, and other grain products in Arizona homes. It is closely related to the Indian meal moth but is less common in residential settings — it is more frequently found in commercial flour mills and bakeries. Adults have distinctive gray wings with a zigzag black pattern and a wingspan of about 20–25mm. Larvae spin dense silken webbing through infested flour, creating clumps that clog machinery in commercial settings and make flour unusable in homes. The webbing is the most visible sign of infestation and distinguishes Mediterranean flour moth damage from other pantry pests.

Controlling Mediterranean flour moths in Arizona requires discarding all infested flour and grain products and thoroughly cleaning pantry shelves. The dense webbing spun by larvae can clog vacuum cleaners — remove large webbing masses by hand before vacuuming. Wipe all surfaces with a food-safe cleaner. Store all flour, baking mixes, and cereals in airtight glass or hard plastic containers. Pheromone traps are available for Mediterranean flour moths and are useful for monitoring adult populations. Because adults can fly, check adjacent rooms and cabinets for moths.

Mediterranean flour moths are less common in Arizona homes than Indian meal moths, but they are occasionally found in homes that purchase flour in bulk or store flour for extended periods. If you find dense webbing in flour or baking products, act immediately — the webbing makes infested flour completely unusable. Pest Control Bros LLC provides pantry pest inspections and treatment throughout Maricopa, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, and Casa Grande. Call (520) 424-5244 for a free inspection.