Sometimes the new, environmentally friendly way of doing things can have unexpected consequences. Clothes moths were once common in homes, due to the woolens used in carpeting and upholstery. Starting in about the 1950s to sometime in the 1970s, wool was treated with long-lasting, residual insecticides which prevented damage to the natural fibers. Now, due to the phasing out of these insecticide-treated products, organic fabrics are once again susceptible to clothes moths.
There are three main kinds of clothes moths: The Webbing Clothes Moth - Tineola bisselliella - perhaps the most common of the three, and distinguished by the shiny golden color of the wings, and forewings that have no markings on them. It also has a tuft of yellowish hairs on its head. The Case-making Clothes Moth - Tinea pellionella - second most common species, and distinguished as an adult moth by the very small size, and forewings that are dark gray in color and with three distinct, dark spots on them. There is also a tuft of rust colored hairs on its head. The Tapestry Moth - Trichophaga tapetzella – which is rarely found in the U. S.
Both the Webbing Clothes Moth and the Case-Making Clothes Moth are worldwide in distribution. To further complicate matters, there just happens to be a moth that is frequently found indoors that is the same size, shape, and general coloring of the clothes moths: the Angoumois,or Grain Moth. It's larvae will be found in whole grains of wheat, rice or corn, such as the ears of decorative corn used around Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. This moth larva does not eat fabrics, just grains, but it certainly can become abundant enough to irritate people. For a quick identification,if the moth IS attracted to light – it’s likely to be a grain moth. If the moth runs from light, it’s a clothes moth.
Clothes moths are not strong flyers. In fact, the female clothes moth cannot fly at all. She can run and jump, but she cannot fly. When discovered, the adults are more likely to try to escape by running rapidly than by flying. The female moth attracts the male clothes moth, who is a good flyer, by releasing pheromones. The male flies around in the dark, in a confined area, such as the closet, dresser drawer, or storage trunk until he can home in on the source of this irresistible smell. Open that dresser drawer and you might see the adult moths scurry under the folds of the clothing.
After clothes moths mate, females do not live very long -merely 3 to16 days after the eggs are laid. The male clothes moth can survive for about one month. Adult females lay eggs in cracks or crevices near a food source or sometimes directly on it. Eggs are glued to woolen threads so that they are not easily dislodged. The eggs do not remain dormant for long periods, although hatching can be delayed by cooler temperatures.
When the eggs hatch, the larvae begin to feed on the fabric, frequently eating areas that have been stained with food or drink, or in areas containing body oils, sweat, or urine. Thus why carpet or fabric is often damaged in areas where people have the most contact with the surface, i.e. seat cushions, armpit areas in sweaters, etc. The larvae can be found on wool sweaters, natural bristle brushes, fur (including pet hair) and other organic fabrics. Why did the moth nibble a hole in the carpet? He wanted to see the floor show!
Clothes moths may also be found infesting upholstered furniture (both inside and out), and in air ducts where the larvae may be feeding on lint, shed pet hair and other bits of debris. Infestations may also originate from bird or animal nests, or a deceased animal carcass lingering in an attic, chimney or wall void.
The length of time that the larva feeds varies greatly. It depends on factors such as temperature, humidity and the quality of the food. Under ideal conditions, this stage may be completed in as little as five weeks, but it can take up to two years. When full grown, the larva spins a smooth case of silk and pupates within. It emerges from this stage as an adult moth in about 2 1/2 weeks. Then the cycle begins anew.
Adult clothes moths do not eat anything; in fact, their mouthparts are not even sufficiently developed enough to allow them to eat anything!
Controlling existing infestations of clothes moths requires patience and a thorough inspection to locate all potential sources of infestation. The source may be an old woolen scarf in the back of a closet, a fur hat in a box, or a remnant of wool carpeting up in the attic. Even piano or organ felts may be the source. Infested items should be thrown out, laundered or dry cleaned. Vacuuming effectively removes larvae which are already present, as well as hair and lint, which could support future infestations. Be sure to vacuum the edges of carpets, along baseboards, underneath furniture, inside closets and other "quiet" areas where clothes moths prefer to feed.
It’s another insect that can be, and should be, controlled with by physical, instead of chemical means. Plastic boxes with tight fitting lids can also reduce the chance of moths redesigning your favorite sweater or Grandma’s heirloom Christmas tree ornaments. It is not recommended you treat your clothes with insecticides to prevent clothes moths. Just keep things clean, and stored properly, and this particular problem may never come home for a snack.