Pet Store Insect Problems

There are two insects that you are likely to find in pet stores. They are the Indianmeal moth and the Warehouse beetle. Both species are highly attracted to pheromone traps produced by Insects Limited, Inc.

INDIANMEAL MOTH (Plodia interpunctella)

Since they feed on any items containing grain, Indianmeal moths are common pests found in pet stores. The Indianmeal moth is a particular problem in bird seed, but can also be found in dry pet foods.

Let's take a little time to find out about this guy that spends your money so freely. This is one of the easiest stored food insects to identify because the adults have a colorful appearance and the larvae leave a silken webbing trail wherever they crawl. Newly emerged adults are bi-colored and measure about 1/2" from top to bottom.

Description

Eggs are microscopic. Female adults lay 200-400 eggs during their short lifetime.
Larvae: Usually feed in protected areas such as the ears on a bag or in cracks and crevices. This is the damaging stage. The larvae can chew through bags of food and seed. These larvae are yellowish-white in color but will take on several tints of light green, pink and brown.
Pupa: This quiescent stage can be seen covered in a silken cocoon. No damage occurs during this stage.
Adult: Indianmeal moths only live for 5-7 days. Their major function is to reproduce. This is why the pheromone traps work so well. The male moth is very attracted to the pheromone scent.
Life Cycle: All insect life cycles are dependent on temperature and environmental conditions; but in the summer months (65°F+, 18°C+) the IMM will take 5 to 7 weeks to develop. Although this pest is not a native to the US, it has spread throughout.

WAREHOUSE BEETLE (Trogoderma variable)

This small, oval beetle is a common pest of dog food. Warehouse beetles feed primarily on animal products, but will readily feed on grain and cereal products.

Description

Larvae: are orange-brown in color and look hairy. The hairs of the larvae can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals especially when swallowed.
Adult: The adult is a tiny black beetle with white or lightly colored markings on its back.
Life Cycle: From egg to adult can be completed in 43 days, but they can stay in diapause (hibernation) for up to two years.

Trap Use and Placement: There is no exact number of traps that should be placed in a Pet Store to detect the presence or absence of insect pests. This will vary depending upon the size of the store and the number of rooms. In general, both types of traps should be placed 25-50 feet or 6-15 meters apart (3/1000 ft3 or 0.9 m3) at eye level. Lures should be replaced every 60 days and traps should be replaced when necessary.

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