Mill Moth, Ephestia kuehniella
Ephestia kuehniella, Mill Moth is one of the serious stored grin pests. It is a major economic insect of corn milling plants, grout mills, bakeries and other gain processing sites. It is originated from India. It is common pest in flourmills and bakeries, where the moths are to be found resting on walls and windows by day. The species is rarely found outdoors and moths can be found any time except in mid-winter; there are believed to be a number of overlapping generations.
Biology of Ephestia kuehniella
Adult mating takes place immediately after emergence. Adult female lays 300-350 eggs and these may be stuck to various foods by a sticky secretion.. The eggs hatch in 4-28 days to produce white or pinkish larvae and spin silken tubes in which they live. After 3-5 moults the larvae are full grown and the full grown larval size is about 15-19 mm long. Adult stage is completed in 10-14 days.
Image Adult Ephestia kuehniella (Full credit to Brian)
They pupate within 7-16 days in the dark corners of buildings or machinery. In colder climates these moths overwinter as larvae but, in contrast to other species, usually remain in the foodstuff.
Image: Larvae of Ephestia kuehniella (Full credit to: UDSA, ARS)
Image: Pupae of of Ephestia kuehniella ( Full credit to: UDSA, ARS)
Nature of Damage of Ephestia kuehniella
The larval stage is the most damaging stage. The newly emerged larvae move to the stored products. Young larvae feed voraciously and make web or silk. Mill moth larvae prefer wheat flour, but will also feed on all sorts of grains, cereals, seeds, dried fruits, nuts and almonds. The larvae produce an unpleasant smell in the infected product and leave faeces in the product l. Webbing can cause serious blockages in provender mills.
Pheromone for Ephestia kuehniella
Russell IPM manufactures and supplies pheromone lure, traps and complete monitoring systems for Ephestia kuehniella, Mill Moth, Flour Moth or Mediterranean flour moth. Pheromone trap gives early warning of the infestation and alter the pest controller before infestation become serious. Russell IPM offers effective monitoring pheromone systems for Mill Moth, Ephestia kuehniella.