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Problem:
Clothes moths

Image of Clothes moths

Problem Info

Holes are chewed in clothing, blankets, carpets, pillows, upholstery, and other items. Infested articles may be covered with a webbing of silken tubes, cases, or strands. Shiny white caterpillars up to 1/2 inch long may be seen crawling on damaged items.

Analysis

Tineola bisselliella and Tinea pellionella The larvae of these small, yellowish to tan moths damage clothes and other items made of fur, wool, feathers, and leather. The female moths attach their eggs to the fabric. Soon after the larvae emerge they spin silken tubes, strands, or cases. The larvae usually feed from within these protective casings but may crawl out to feed unprotected. The larvae pupate in cocoons attached by silken threads to the infested item and emerge as adult moths. New infestations occur when moths lay eggs on clothing, carpets, and other articles and when moth-, larva-, and egg-ridden items are stored with uninfested articles. Clothes moths are not attracted to light.

Solution Advice

Shake out, brush, and air infested clothes and blankets in a sunny location. To kill remaining moths, dry-clean infested items. Place in airtight closets or containers with mothballs or flakes.