Clothing Moth Control

Nobody likes it when a pest destroys something valuable. Clothing moths, like other fabric and paper pests, possess the unique capability to digest the protein keratin, which is the major component of animal products, like wool and other animal products. Because of wool’s versatility, it is used in clothing, carpeting, furniture, and other household necessities. These pests are attracted to these types of items, infesting and destroying them.

Identifying Clothing Moths

Clothing moths are identifiable by their narrow membranous (papery, like cellophane) wings covered with scales. Their wings are narrowly rounded, and their hind legs are shorter than the front wing. Clothing moths also have a couple long hairs on the rear edge of their hind wings. These hairs are similar to antennae, which they also have two on their heads which are long and slender. Their wingspan can be anywhere from 3/8”-1” depending on age and sex. Mature larvae is about ½” and slender, a whitish color except for a darker head. Like butterflies, all moths undergo metamorphosis.

Once the adult females emerge from their cocoon, they can mate and lay eggs. Each female lays on average 40 to 50 eggs, either one by one or in small groups over a two to three week period. Since they make fabric and paper products their home, it is no surprise that they glue their eggs to the material they infest. The eggs typically hatch within four to 10 days in the summer, but take up to three weeks in the winter.

There are anywhere from five to 45 larval molts, requiring from 30 days to 29 months, depending on food availability, relative humidity, and temperature. The pupal stage, first stage, lasts about eight to 10 days, but much longer in the winter. Developmental time from egg to adult varies from the typical 50-90 days, but includes some outliers like 35 days and four years. Females die after all of their eggs are laid, usually in about 16 days, whereas males live an average of about 28 days. This is after the developmental stages, cocoons, etc.

Clothing Moth Treatments

Pest control for fabric and paper pests can be complex, but don’t worry, Paffy’s Pest Control has you covered. There are a couple things that will need to be done. Among them are a proper identification, a thorough inspection, good sanitation, and pesticide application when required. Our technicians will use a combination of insecticide or gel bait and glue boards to eradicate your clothing moth problem, once they assess the situation. As these insects are hard to treat, a follow-up may be necessary.

Source: NPCA Field Guide to Structural Pests