General Characteristics:
- Adult is small in length ranging from 5 – 6 mm
- Colouration of wings is pale grey with a single black dot on the center of the front wing
- Both wings are fringed with fine hairs
- Geographical distribution is worldwide in mild to warm climates
- Larvae feed on whole cereal grains including, barley, corn, rice, sorghum, millet and wheat
- Adults have a short lifespan and do not feed
- The larva is white and pale yellow when mature
Reproduction:
- Optimal breeding temperatures are between 16°C to 35°C (relative humidity greater than 30%)
- Females lay up to 150 eggs on the outside of kernels and in cracks in her lifetime
- Eggs are laid singly or in groups and become red as they mature
- Lifecycle (Egg to adult) usually takes 5-6 weeks to complete
Signs of Infestation:
- Close examination of susceptible foods for exposed adults is an important part of locating infestations
- Damaged dry foods and/or presence of adults or larvae may be signs of infestation
- As adult leaves kernel of food, the pupal case is visible protruding from entrance hole
Control Techniques:
- Proper disposal in sealed containers (following all local laws) is an effective
control method
- To prevent infestation, inspect all grain related dry foods carefully upon purchase and store in air tight containers
- Good sanitation procedures will help prevent infestations
- Pheromone traps which use a sex attractant can assist in disrupting adult reproduction
- Insecticides and fumigants may be used for existing infestations ACCORDING TO LABEL SPECIFICATIONS AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL, PROVINCIAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS
Please click here to contact a Focus Pest Control professional to inquire about further treatments for this pest species.
References:
“Angoumois Grain Moth”(On-line). Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences – Entomology. Accessed Jan. 15, 2010 at http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/angoumois-grain-moth.
“Angoumois grain moth - Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier)” (On-line).Canadian Grain Commission. Accessed Jan. 15, 2010 at http://grainscanada.gc.ca/storage-entrepose/pip-irp/agm-adg-eng.htm.
Benett, Gary W., et.al.. Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Control Operations. Duluth: Advanstar Communications, 1988. p. 211-213.
Disclaimer:
The Focus Pest Control ‘Pest Library’ is an educational resource written largely to educate the general public about common pests in Ontario. The Focus ‘Pest Library’ does not include all species in Ontario, nor does it include the most recent scientific data about species we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While Focus Pest Control staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.
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