How Clothes Moths Get In Houses And What To Do

Imagine going to your dresser or closet, pulling out a shirt you have not worn in a few months and discovering holes in it. This is likely the work of the clothes moth. There are two species of clothes moths, including Tineola bisselliella and Tinea pellionella. These insects hide when disturbed, so you might not see them. You will see their damage. If you think you have a moth infestation, it is important to arrange for prompt pest control in Las Vegas.

What Clothes Moths Do

Clothes moths attack fabrics made of animal products. The adults lay eggs on the fabric. They prefer soiled silk and wool, but they will also use blends. Some moths will lay eggs on cotton if the fabric is dirty. The larvae feed on the fabric, causing holes and weakening the knit or woven structure. In warm buildings, clothes moths may go through two breeding cycles in a single year. A female lays 100 eggs in a cycle.

Types of Damage Caused By Clothes Moths

Clothes moth larvae preferentially eat wool and wool blends. They may leave behind webs, casings or fecal boli on the fabric. Their feces contain shreds, pigments and dyes from the fabric. The larvae may also eat through fish meal, felt, taxidermy specimens, fur coats and animal hair bristles on brushes.

Clothes Moth Damage Versus Carpet Beetle Damage

Damage caused by clothes moths and carpet beetles is often misidentified. Clothes moths eat a straight line through material, fabric, fur or feathers. They do this as the larvae exit the egg. They use their jaws to chew through the egg’s shell, cutting through the fabric along the way. Carpet beetle larvae do not follow a pattern when eating. They quickly chew through fabric, upholstery and glue.