Indianmeal moths begin their lifecycle when eggs are laid directly on or near food products. Once larvae hatch, they feed within the food source, often going unnoticed as they develop. Homeowners typically first notice adult moths flying near ceilings, lights, or kitchen areas. However, the presence of adult moths usually indicates that larvae are already active within stored food. Common signs include webbing inside food packaging, clumped or contaminated dry goods, and small larvae or cocoons near lids, corners, or seams of containers. 

Because infestations often begin in a single product and spread outward, it’s common for activity to continue even after cleaning if the original source is not fully removed. Repeated sightings of moths are usually a sign that larvae are still developing in hidden areas or overlooked items.