The Angoumois Grain Moth (Sitotroga cerealella) is one of the oldest known grain pests, with records of its damage dating back centuries. It is a significant pest of stored whole grains — corn, wheat, barley, sorghum, and rice — and is found in Arizona in farm storage, feed stores, and homes that store whole grains or birdseed in bulk. Adults are small, with a wingspan of about 1/2 inch, and are uniformly pale yellowish-tan to buff-colored with pointed hindwings that have a distinctive fringe of long hairs along the trailing edge. Unlike the Indianmeal Moth and Mediterranean Flour Moth, the Angoumois Grain Moth larvae develop entirely inside individual grain kernels. The female lays eggs on the surface of grain kernels, and the tiny larvae bore inside and consume the kernel contents, leaving only the empty hull. Adults emerge by chewing a round exit hole through the kernel. This internal development makes infestations extremely difficult to detect until adult moths begin emerging — by which time significant damage has already occurred. In Arizona, the Angoumois Grain Moth is most commonly found in stored corn, birdseed, and whole wheat, and is a significant pest in agricultural storage facilities.
👁Warning Signs
Small pale yellowish-tan moths with pointed fringed hindwings emerging from stored whole grains. Round exit holes in individual grain kernels. Hollow, empty grain kernels with no visible external damage until adults emerge. Adults attracted to light.
⚠Health & Property Risks
Destroys whole grain kernels from the inside — damage invisible until adults emerge. Significant losses in stored corn, wheat, barley, and birdseed. Infestations can destroy entire grain stores before detection.
Prevention Tips
Store whole grains in airtight containers. Inspect purchased whole grains and birdseed. Freeze new grain purchases for 1 week to kill eggs and larvae inside kernels. Rotate grain stocks — do not store for extended periods.
🛡Professional Treatment
Discard all infested grain. Freeze suspect grain at 0°F for 1 week to kill all life stages. Airtight storage for all remaining grain. Pheromone traps for adults. Thorough sanitation.
Frequently Asked Questions — Angoumois Grain Moth
The Angoumois Grain Moth (Sitotroga cerealella) is adults: uniformly pale yellowish-tan to buff; pointed hindwings with long hair fringe and typically measures Adults ~1/2-inch wingspan; larvae develop inside grain kernels. The Angoumois Grain Moth (Sitotroga cerealella) is one of the oldest known grain pests, with records of its damage dating back centuries. It is a significant pest of stored whole grains — corn, wheat,.
The Angoumois Grain Moth poses a moderate risk. Destroys whole grain kernels from the inside — damage invisible until adults emerge. Significant losses in stored corn, wheat, barley, and birdseed. Infestations can destroy entire grain stores before detection.
In Arizona, angoumois grain moths are most often encountered in the following situations: Small pale yellowish-tan moths with pointed fringed hindwings emerging from stored whole grains. Round exit holes in individual grain kernels. Hollow, empty grain kernels with no visible external damage until adults emerge. Adults attracted to light.
The Angoumois Grain Moth is most active during: Year-round indoors; most active during warm months; thrives in Arizona's warm storage conditions. Arizona's warm desert climate can extend activity periods compared to other states, so year-round vigilance is recommended in the Phoenix metro and surrounding areas.
Store whole grains in airtight containers. Inspect purchased whole grains and birdseed. Freeze new grain purchases for 1 week to kill eggs and larvae inside kernels. Rotate grain stocks — do not store for extended periods.
Discard all infested grain. Freeze suspect grain at 0°F for 1 week to kill all life stages. Airtight storage for all remaining grain. Pheromone traps for adults. Thorough sanitation.
Left unchecked, Angoumois Grain Moth infestations can cause significant structural or food-storage damage over time. Destroys whole grain kernels from the inside — damage invisible until adults emerge. Significant losses in stored corn, wheat, barley, and birdseed. Infestations can destroy entire grain stores before detection. Early detection and professional treatment are the most cost-effective approach — contact Pest Control Bros for an inspection at the first sign of activity.
Dealing with Angoumois Grain Moth?
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