Clothes moths are one of the most common textile pests. The insects feast on clothes, upholstered furniture, curtains and carpets. This guide will help you identify the animals at different stages of life.

In a nutshell

  • Clothes moths are yellow to dark brown in color
  • Males and females look the same
  • Moth eggs small and white
  • Beads up to 10 mm
  • sit in cocoons

Recognize clothes moths

The clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) is a clearly recognizable textile pest that is found throughout the world. They are easily identified by their characteristics:

  • Size: 6 to 9mm
  • Wing span: 10 to 116 mm
  • Colour: light yellow to dark brown
  • wings yellow-grey
  • lashed
  • without drawing
Source: Syrio, Tineola bisselliella Piazzo 01, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

In addition to these characteristics, the position of the wings in the animals should be mentioned. When at rest, they fold their forewings together like a roof covering the hindwings. The females and males do not differ in appearance or size. Males can only be recognized by the fact that they are more active over the flight time.

Notice: You encounter the moths only at night. They are difficult to see as they are not attracted to light sources and prefer darkness, making controlled capture impossible.

Moth eggs: characteristics and occurrence

In addition to the adult moths, the moth eggs are also not easy to detect. The reason for this is because of the size. They are only 0.5mm in size, round and white in colour. They are not stored in clusters but individually. As a result, they are only noticeable if you look closely. Females lay around 250 eggs between May and September, when they fly. They are preferably deposited in rooms with a textile food source and the following properties:

  • Temperature: 23°C to 30°C
  • Humidity: from 70 percent
  • dark retreat corners available

The eggs are often confused with the excrement of the already hatched larvae. They have a similar color and are excreted directly on or next to the textiles. The larvae hatch from the eggs after about 14 days.

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Tineola_bisselliella#/media/File:CSIRO_ScienceImage_2070_Eggs_of_the_Clothes_Moth.jpg.webp

Notice: If the moths are in cool and dry parts of the house like the attic, it's probably the fur moth (Tinea pellionella). It is slightly darker in color and smaller, but exhibits almost identical behavior to the clothes moth.

identify larvae

After the larvae hatch, they immediately begin feasting on the food source. They can be recognized by the following characteristics:

  • Ground color: white, white-yellowish
  • Head: dark brown, edged with black
  • Length: 7-10mm

The larvae themselves are not easily recognizable as the eggs are not laid in a group. They are alone and can therefore mainly be discovered by the feeding marks and web tubes. The grazing marks resemble small, irregularly shaped holes that grow larger over time. Skins and furs are eaten away, holes are rare. The caterpillars stay in the web tubes. These sit differently depending on the fabric:

  • Furs, skins, wool, rough fabrics: in the material
  • smooth fabrics: on the surface
Source: Guido Gerding, XN Tineola bisselliella 1, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

The web tubes are quivers in which the caterpillars sit and are clear signs of an infestation by the pests. They are spun from silky threads and are clearly recognizable. After some time, the caterpillars pupate until they transform into adult insects after about 60 days. Pupation takes place directly in the cocooned burrows.

frequently asked Questions

Can clothes moths be brought in through shopping?

Yes, clothes moth larvae or eggs are often introduced through second-hand goods. If the textiles are stored incorrectly or not cleaned sufficiently before sale, an infestation is possible. Brand new clothing and textiles are rarely infested by the animals.

How to get rid of clothes moths

To prevent an infestation, you need to keep moths out of your living space. Put fly screens on your windows, put scented sachets or essential oils with lavender or cedar in the closet and use pheromone traps if the infestation gets worse. As long as you keep moths away from your fabrics, they won't lay eggs.

What helps against moth eggs?

If you have found moth eggs or signs of eating, wash all textiles in the immediate vicinity at at least 60°C or freeze them in freezer bags for 14 days. As a result, the eggs die off completely. Clean the cupboards with a vinegar-based cleaner and vacuum out all cracks and crevices. This significantly reduces moth infestation.

Category:

Garden pests