About Clothing Moths
Clothes moths may be quite damaging. There are two kinds of clothing moths namely the Webbing moth and Ceasmaking moth that are regularly seen in North American houses. Adult webbing clothing moths are around 1/4 inch long with a 1/2 inch wingspan. 1 They have reddish-gold to coppery hairs on their heads and are gold to yellowish-gray in hue. The larvae of the webbing clothing moth are creamy-white with black heads and are about 1/3 to 1/2 inch long. Adult casemaking clothing moths are about 1/4 inch long with a 1/2 inch wingspan. They have light gold hairs on their heads and brownish wings with dots, and they are gold in hue.
Habits
Warmth and humidity are ideal for clothing moth development, activity, and egg-laying, hence they are less frequent in drier climes. The moths are most active when the temperature is over 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but lower temperatures do not always kill them; they only slow them down. They are particularly drawn to materials that have stains from perspiration, food, or pee.
Habitats
Clothes-eating moths are not the same as food-infesting moths that you might find flying around your pantry or kitchen. They are light-averse, poor fliers, and hide when disturbed. You may not realize you have moths until the damage is discovered on your belongings.
Threats
Larvae of the clothing moth devour fur, mohair, hair, and feathers, as well as garments containing these natural fibers. They will also eat insects that have died. The eggs of the moths are glued to the cloth or other substances by the insects. The newly born larvae then feed on the goods and spin webbing on them, inflicting further damage and holes in the process.
Prevention
The first and the most obvious step in dealing with a clothing moth infestation would be to correctly identify the insect and look out for potential breeding grounds for the larvae. Vacuum the closet, chest, box, or other storage location where the contaminated objects were kept thoroughly. One should notice the corners of the room since these are likely places where they may discover food. If the space is carpeted, vacuum it thoroughly, and if it is really nasty, consider having it professionally cleaned. Synthetic carpet fibers are inedible to moths, but any carpet can supply food supplies by trapping pet hair and other natural materials.
