Moths: Identification, Damage, and Control

Moths can be a major nuisance in homes, especially when they infest stored food or damage fabrics. There are two main types of moth infestations: pantry moths (which contaminate food) and clothes moths (which damage fabrics).

Types of Moths Found in Homes

1. Clothes Moths (Tineola bisselliella, Tinea pellionella)

• Appearance: Small (1/4 to 1/2 inch), golden or beige with fringed wings.

• Damage: Their larvae feed on wool, silk, fur, feathers, and upholstered furniture, leaving holes in clothing and fabric.

• Signs of Infestation:

  • Irregular holes in clothes, carpets, and upholstery.

  • Silken cases or webbing in fabric storage areas.

  • Sightings of adult moths flying in closets or dark corners.

2. Pantry Moths (Plodia interpunctella, Indian Meal Moth)

• Appearance: 1/2 inch long, with brown and tan wings.

• Damage: Larvae infest and contaminate stored food, including grains, flour, rice, cereal, nuts, and pet food.

• Signs of Infestation:

  • Webbing in food containers or packages.

  • Tiny, worm-like larvae in stored food.

  • Small moths flying around pantries or kitchens.

Prevention & Control

For Clothes Moths

✅ Regular Cleaning:

• Vacuum carpets, closets, and furniture to remove eggs and larvae.

• Dry clean or wash woolens and other natural fabrics before storing.

✅ Proper Storage:

• Store wool, silk, and fur items in airtight plastic or vacuum-sealed bags.

• Use cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or mothballs in storage areas.

✅ Eliminate Infestations:

• Freeze infested fabrics for 48 hours to kill larvae.

• Use pheromone traps to catch adult moths.

For Pantry Moths

✅ Inspect & Dispose of Infested Food:

• Check food packages for larvae or webbing.

• Discard contaminated food and clean pantry shelves.

✅ Store Food Properly:

• Keep grains, flour, and pet food in airtight glass or plastic containers.

• Rotate food supplies to prevent long-term storage infestations.

✅ Use Traps & Natural Repellents:

• Pheromone traps attract and trap adult pantry moths.

• Bay leaves, cloves, and cinnamon can help repel moths in pantries.

When to Call a Professional

If moth infestations persist despite preventive measures, professional pest control services may be needed for targeted treatments, especially for severe clothes moth damage or recurring pantry moth infestations.