We came across this helpful article on myPMP(professional pest management).net. You can see an excerpt below or check out their website for the full article!
Fact vs. Fiction: Indian Meal Moths
Fiction: I froze my food, so they should be gone, but I still have Indianmeal moths (IMM) flying around my cabinets.
Fact: Freezing stored products (grains, cereals, spices, dried fruits, nuts, etc.) for a minimum of three days will kill eggs, larvae, and adults. If you still see activity, it’s likely because there are still populations hiding in cracks and crevices, packaging creases, dried floral arrangements and a host of other places. To clear an infestation, all affected product needs to be removed and disposed of; all cabinets (even ones not used for food storage) should be opened, thoroughly vacuumed and washed with soapy water. This goes for countertops, too. New products brought in should be frozen a minimum of three days and put into sturdy plastic or glass containers with tight-fitting lids. If IMM still appears, take a vacuum and soapy water to other parts of the house and search out curtains, window treatments, carpets, etc., for white wormy larvae and silken webs. IMM larvae are notorious for roaming great distances in search of food, and it’s not extraordinary to find them in bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms, and garages.
Fiction: I wipe my reusable grocery bags after every use to prevent Indianmeal moths.
Fact: One of the top places for IMM to hide is in the seams and corners of reusable bags. Wiping is good, but the best way to ensure nothing is left behind to hatch or reproduce is to wash the bag.
Fiction: Indianmeal moths in dog food won’t hurt my dog.
Fact: IMM eggs, larvae and adults generally aren’t toxic to animals or humans. The main danger of keeping the product is risking infestation through the whole house. Infested products need to be disposed of. Their taste and quality are compromised. Do you want to feed any member of your family a bunch of bugs?
Check out their website for the full article on Indian Meal Moths!