Clothe moths or clothing moths is a common name for several different types of moths that eat fabrics and clothing.
This includes the brown dotted clothes moth whose scientific name is Niditinea fuscella
The common clothes moth or as it is also called the webbing clothes moth or Tineola bisselliella.
The carpet moth or tapestry moth which is a bane to exotic carpet owners also known asTrichophaga tapetzella.
And the case bearing clothes moth also called Tinea pellionella.
The one common denominator for all of these moths is the extreme amount of damage that they can do to fine clothing, tapestries, carpets, rugs, sweaters and other natural fiber objects.
The main issue is the larvae. This is the destructive and of the cycle. They go through something called complete metamorphosis which means they start out as an egg, hatch into a larvae, pupate, and then emerge as an adult.
How to inspect for clothing moths
Clothing moths are difficult to find. There about a half-inch long their buff colored and they are seldom seen because they tend to live in undisturbed areas of our drawers and closets and they avoid light. These should not be confused with Indian meal moths or other types of food originating moths so if you see moths flying around your kitchen this is probably not a clothing moth.
It is important to inspect for areas that are seldom used so this would be the back of the closet, areas of carpeting that are rarely walked on, and also the undersides of certain types of upholstered or natural fiber furniture.
You going to be looking for the adults, larva themselves, their pupal stage which will appear like a small tufted cylinder creamish in color, and the damage which is usually what is what is normally found first. Since they can fly all areas of an apartment or home are subject to attack. This would include areas like the basement as well as the attic.
Controlling Clothing Moths
Control starts with the insect. A thorough investigation of the premises from top to bottom getting into all nooks and crannies in cracks and crevices where clothing moths might be hiding. It is best to determine the extent of the infestation and determine which articles are salvageable and which are not. A thorough vacuuming will help capture many of the larvae and pupal stages.
Appropriate treatments using growth regulators, long-term residuals and even the use of temperature control is all beneficial. Heating can eliminate even the worst infestation quickly and will reduce costs associated with dry-cleaning and in some cases fumigation of infested furniture. It also reduces pesticide use which is in some cases beneficial to occupants of the home. Placing items that cannot be washed into a dryer at low to medium heat will help control and illuminate all stages of the insect. Once control or elimination is achieved ongoing monitoring is typically recommended using pheromone based traps. Call A3 Superior for a full survey and program to eliminate clothing moths from your home and stop the damage today.