Are Moths Eating Your Clothes? Identify a Clothes Moth
January 17th, 2010 Posted in Pantry & Linen Pests
There are two types of clothes moths that can do considerable damage to textiles, the Webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliela) and the Casemaking clothes moth (Tinea pellionella).
Unfortunately, most infestations are noticed too late to prevent the coming damage, partly because the more visible adult moths are not the culprits that destroy your expensive clothes. The adults deposit their eggs on a food source, for example an expensive fur coat, and the hungry larvae hatch and systematically destroy your wardrobe, bedding, carpet, etc.
Due to the uphill battle entailed in trying to beat a moth infestation, take some simple preventative measures to lower the chances of a true home infestation.
Identification: the difference between moths
The Webbing moth is the most common fabric consuming moth. It has a wingspan of about 1/2 in., and is golden colored with reddish hairs on the head and golden hairs along the wings. They are typically found in or around infested areas because they are very weak fliers and are not attracted to lights.
At rest, the clothes moths are about 1/4 in. long, contrasting with the more typical food-infesting moths that are about 1/2 in. long. These moths, and moths in general, are fairly easy to catch when they land, and if the size difference is not apparent enough for you to determine what kind of moth you are dealing with, then a close examination with a microscope will reveal tufts of hair on the head which food/grain moths do not possess.
The clothes moth also has a relatively distinctive flight pattern. The food infesting moths typically fly in a straight line, whereas the clothes moths will seem absentmindedly fluttering in an indirect manner.
Casemaking moths are similar in size and appearance to the Webbing, however their wings are more brown and their bodies have faint dark spots. The hairs on the Casemaking’s head are a little lighter as well.
The larvae of both species are nearly identical except for one interesting characteristic that provides the namesake for the Casemaking. These larvae carry a silken case with them constantly, and rather than discard it, they constantly enlarge the case as their bodies grow. If threatened, they can retreat into the case, which takes on the colors of whatever fabrics have comprised their diet, and can feed from either end.
Management
Good housekeeping practices in general are the best line of defense against a moth infestation.
Vacuum
Vacuuming carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, tapestries, etc., will remove any eggs waiting to hatch. Pay particular attention to the parts of the floor where carpeting meets the baseboard.
Storage
Only store clean clothing items, and make sure storage areas are clean themselves. Also, inspect stored valuables regularly to catch any damage before it gets irreversible.
Give clothes time to breathe
Ironing destroys clothes moths at any stage in their life cycle, and exposing clothing to outdoor sunlight and wind will further reduce the amount of damage.
Moth treatments can be placed in storage containers but are only lethal at sufficient concentrations and durations of exposure, so follow any instructions available to help in the application process. Naphthalene, the effective chemical in mothballs, poisons 1000’s of people every year (mostly children) because of ingestion or over concentration, so be very careful when applying mothballs to an area, especially if there are small children in the home.
If you think you have a moth problem, various chemical insecticides and pesticides are available on the market, but should only be used as a last resort because of their high toxicity. If you decide to tackle the problem yourself with pesticides then make sure to follow directions and do some background research on safety and basic pesticide toxicity information. Consider all natural pesticide products to get rid of clothes moths.
Local pest control professionals might be the best bet if you are dealing with a full-blown infestation.
13 Comments | The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 12/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers!
By Peggy on Mar 20, 2010
I need something to kill clothing moths. I am concerned about any chemical treatments because I have a bird and dog. The moths appear to be concentrated in the room with the bird cage. Is your product safe for use around animals?
By EcoSMART Megan on Mar 22, 2010
Dear Peggy,
Absolutely, our products are safe to use around your pets. However, do not apply products like the insect repellent directly on your dog, bird, etc. or let them ingest it.
But don’t feel like they need to leave the house for a day after you spray EcoSMART.
By Maggie on May 2, 2010
I recently moved back into my home in New Orleans after Katrina and had to replace almost everything. I found some lovely oriental rugs on line and was able to buy them very reasonably, which made me very happy. I love them. I also purchased a lot of linens and clothing at thrift stores as I am retired and needed everything.
I also rescued a bird, and I have dogs.
After a few months I noticed small moths flying erratically, andd thought they may have come in in grain or cereal. After reading your site I am sure they are clothes moths, and I am afraid of losing my rugs. Perhaps they could even have come in in the rugs or in something from a thrift shop.
The problem is how to get rid of them before my situation goes back to what we here call post-K (post Katrina when everything we had was ruined). Because I have a bird – a Quaker Parrot – and birds are very sensitive to chemicals- and I also have a 4 year old grandson and 3 small terriers- I am very concerned about what to do.
I am so glad that there is a product that is non toxic. I am wondering if it will work on the rugs. If eggs are down in the pile what should I do to kill them???
By EcoSMART Zach on May 19, 2010
Maggie,
Try using a vacuum on the rugs to suck up any eggs that may be in the rugs.
If you want to use EcoSMART’s products, I recommend that you test the formula on a small area of the rug before using it on the whole thing. The formula is all natural, but it is best to make sure it won’t cause fading to your rugs.
By Ashley on Jul 14, 2010
I have FAR too many moths in my apartment this summer, I’d be willing to try it out!
By Claire on Jul 15, 2010
Hi, I have just picked up a top of mine and it has little holes bitten out of it and loads of them, it is one of my favourite tops and I am so upset and freaked out, I hate the smell of mothballs but need something herbal or non toxic as i have birds, dogs and cats and cannot fumigate the place, I also have started a problem with roaches in the kitchen and they are scaring my birds and I need to get rid of them, please help, i did hear that lavender and cedar wood are detterents, would love to test your product, I am in south africa, is it possible to get it here.
By Lorrie Keeley on Jul 22, 2010
I have small brown/tan moths that I have found and cannot get rid of in my car! They love to hang on the upholstery of the seats and the roof. Cant get rid of them – HELP! Is your product something I can use inside my car? I am concerned b/c i have two small children and do not want to use something harmful to them.
By Laura on Aug 19, 2010
I came to the internet to research clothing moths. For the first time ever, we’ve recently discovered small tan flying moths in the master bedroom and closet. I can’t stand the smell of moth balls, yet they are the only treatment I’ve ever heard of. I can’t imagine how you identify the source of the problem in the closet … there are SO many clothes in there! I can try airing things out, but meanwhile I need a fogger or spray or something to attack the existing larvae.
By Jessica on Apr 1, 2011
I also live in New Orleans, and have recently moved into a new house. Its actually an old house which hasnt been lived in since Katrina.The closet has clothes moths! did I bring them in with me, or were they here? This has never happened to me before, and I dont know what to do.
By Betty on Apr 20, 2011
So we have a bird and we have moths. Initially they were only out near the cage (and the seeds) though now the moths can show up anywhere. I got 2 little kiddie butterfly nets from the dollar store and they were so helpful in catching flying moths. So we reduced the population but they are still occasionally showing up.
Is there any hope in totally getting rid of them?
By lauie on May 24, 2011
Tired of moths flying around the house. Can’t seem to find where they are coming from but the cat has fun trying to catch them. I don’t find it all that fun. Have pets and small kids around so looking for non-toxic remedy.
By Esther on Aug 28, 2011
Hi,
Thanks for the info on clothes moths.
I have been trying to combat a clothes moths infestation which started with my roommate purchasing a wool coat at a garage sale and bringing it indoors against my advice before having it cleaned first. I know I now have brown house moths and webbing clothes moths, and suspect case making ones also.
Have used eastern red cedar and lavandin oil as repellents but I know they do nothing to kill the destructive larvae or eggs they hatch from.
I would love to become a product tester for your company!
By Sussanna on Sep 23, 2011
I’m not sure if my infestation is clothes moths or indian meal moths. The infestation is only in my daughter’s room.. where she was keeping hamster food and dog treats, so I am thinking it may be meal moths. Will this product work on both?