What type of food items are primarily infested by the Indian meal moth?

The Indian meal moth primarily infests whole grains and stored foods because it is a pest that feeds on the carbohydrate-rich materials found in these items. It typically lays its eggs in or near food sources like flour, oats, grains, dried fruit, nuts, and other pantry goods. Upon hatching, the larvae consume the food, leading to contamination and loss.

This pest prefers these products because they provide the necessary nutrients for development and reproduction. Whole grains and stored foods are particularly susceptible because they are often kept in conditions that are conducive to infestation, such as being stored in warm, dry places.

The other options refer to materials that are not typical hosts for the Indian meal moth, making them less relevant to its feeding and reproductive habits.