Caterpillars of the grain moth are capable of causing damage to almost all stored plant products, including grain seeds, sunflower seeds, medicinal plants, tobacco, flour, groats, red pepper, dried vegetables and fruits, and much more. When a caterpillar feeds on grain seeds, it first destroys the embryo.
The damage caused by the grain moth is often confused with the damage caused by the warehouse moth. Like the warehouse moth, the caterpillar crawls on the surface of the grain mass, wrapping the grain in a web, which leads to the appearance of large clumps of spoiled grain.
In terms of harmfulness, this pest can be compared to the warehouse moth, which is one of the most dangerous insects for storing plant products.
According to clause 4.1.5 of GOST R 52325-2005 "Seeds of agricultural plants. Varietal and sowing qualities. General technical conditions", the use of seeds containing live pests and their larvae for sowing is prohibited.