There are several types of clothes moths that feed on stored clothing, old blankets and other items made from material. There are the Miller Moths, Webbing Clothes Moth and Carpet Moths. All of these moths can be found in closets and attics. We will focus on the most common of the three- the clothes moth.

Clothes moths are light tan in color with a small wingspread, about 1/2 inch.

The males stay out in the open. The females are busy laying thier eggs in the seams of material. The larvae exist by feeding on wool blankets, knitted sweaters, feather boas, old toys, any old clothing that has been stored for long periods of time.

You can tell if you have clothes moths by shaking out your stored clothing from time to time and inspecting it for holes and damage. The clothes moths seem particulary drawn to material that has been soiled. You will also be able to see small fecal matter on clothes that have been munched on by the larvae.

The adult moth can lay up to forty eggs. These eggs will be fully hatched by the twenty-first day. The moths go through various stages in their lifecycle.Eggs, larvae, pupae and adult. The larvae stage is where the cocoons are constructed upon the material being damaged. One moth will live about 65-90 days. These moths thrive in a humid climate and are frequently seen in attics.They even fly under beds to settle on the dust bunnies there, another source of their food.

Pest Control Tips in Dealing with Clothes moths:

If you must store clothes, inspect them periodically. Take them out in bright sunlight and shake them out good. Inspect them for holes or sticky residue which is left-over webbing from the larvae.

Use mothballs for clothes that are stored inside containers. Mothballs are toxic to small pets so be sure you keep these well out of reach of the family pet.

Store your clothes in the new pressure-sealed bags. Place the clothes into the bags, insert your vacuum hose into the special fitting and then suck all the air out of the bags. For added insurance you can freeze the bags after they are sealed for a period not to exceed three days.

Moths love the darkness, so open up your rooms with light to discourage them taking up residence there.