Things you need to know about clothes moths What are moths? Moths are a paraphyletic group of insects that includes all members of the order Lepidoptera that are not butterflies, with moths making up the vast majority of the order. There are thought to be approximately 160,000 species of moth, many of which have yet to be described. Most species of moth are nocturnal, but there are also crepuscular and diurnal species. Moths are of different types, such as; ● Brown house moth ● Indian Meal Moth ● Mediterranean pantry moth ● White-shouldered moth ● Clothes moths
What are clothes moths? Clothes moths are the types of moths that feed on garments, clothes, fur, and carpets. They usually get attracted to animal-based fur and garments or leather. They infest garments and other textile creations and feed on them. Clothes moths generally aren’t fond of light that’s why they infest clothes or garments that are stored in dark places. In homes, clothes moths can be found in dark places where the clothes are stored such as wardrobes, closets etc. Clothes moths are of two types, which are; ● Case making clothes moths ● Webbing clothes moths.
Case bearing clothes moths: Tinea pellionella, the case-bearing clothes moth, is a species of tineoid moth in the family Tineidae, the fungus moths. This species has a cosmopolitan distribution, occurring nearly worldwide.
Case bearing clothes moths are a silvery grey to shiny light brown in colour. The adult case bearing clothes moths has a wingspan of 9 millimetres to 16 millimetres. It can become a pest when it feeds on carpets, furs, upholstery, and woollen fabrics.
Webbing clothes moths: Tineola bisselliella, known as the common clothes moth, webbing clothes moth, or simply clothing moth, is a species of fungus moth. It is the type species of its genus Tineola. It was first described by Arvid David Hummel in 1823. This species is known for feeding on clothing and natural fibres. They have the ability to digest keratin protein in wool and silk. The moths prefer dirty fabric for oviposition and are particularly attracted to carpeting and clothing that contains human sweat or other organic liquids which have been spilt onto them. The Traces of dirt on the carpest or garments may provide crucial nutrients for larval evolution. Larvae are attracted to these areas mainly for fractions of moisture besides the paramount need which is food.
Where clothes moths are likely to be found? Clothes moths not only infest closets or wardrobes but they can also be found in basements, attics, and small wall cavities. Usually, there are most likely to be found where old clothes or rugs are stored for a long time.
Ways to prevent clothes moths. Clothes moths usually infest, most prominently in the case of webbing clothes moths, they thrive in dirt and moisture content garments or carpets. Clothes moths are a threat to material property as they can destroy expensive clothing in a swift. So their prevention becomes unavoidable. There are some ways with which you can prevent the development of clothes moths in your house; ● Make sure to clean all textile natural fibre products before storing them. ● Cleaning of fabrics and other textiles products must include dry cleaning, carefully brushing and examining places like collars, and sleeves. ● Store them in tightly sealable plastic bags. ● You can use moths balls that contain naphthalene to prevent them to lay eggs.
The ways can be useful but in some, they don’t work and the usage of some chemicals can be hazardous for children and pets, so calling for professionals might be the best option. If you are dealing with clothes moths problem then consider calling for Canberra pest control group.