Innovative Pest Consultants

There are two main types of Clothes moth. The Common Clothes moth and the Case-Making Clothes moth. They are less common than the Carpet beetle, but enjoy similar environments.

Life-Cycle

Female adults lay eggs on materials that will provide an adequate food source for the emerging larvae.
Once fully fed, the larvae of the Case-Making moth migrate to areas on a wall or on the ceiling to pupate,

whereas the Common Clothes moth pupates within the feeding material.

The pupa of both moths change into adults, a stage which is short-lived.

Habits and Habitats

Moths are attracted to the smell of the human body, so it is important to wash items before putting them away.
Moths prefer dark, undisturbed areas, where the larvae can feed. The Case-Making moth larvae weave a protective

case from the fibres of the fabric they are eating. This case offers protection while they eat.

Moths like to live in environments where woollen materials, felt, fur and other materials of animal origin exist.
Moths do not carry disease organisms harmful to man or animal, but are pests because of the damage inflicted

on materials in homes.

Control

Application of a residual low-toxicity preparation to affected areas will control these moths once they have been

identified. It may be necessary to spray affected areas to kill adult moths.

It is possible for affected clothes to be placed in a dark plastic bag and then placed in the sun. Temperatures

inside the bag will rise to a lethal level, killing the pest.

When storing clothes, make sure they are washed.