Do you know the difference between clothes moths and pantry moths? Some moths can cause holes in your favorite sweater. Others flutter around in your kitchen and pantry, infesting your food. Being able to identify these moths will help you to kick them out of your home. We’ve gathered information about clothes moths and pantry moths to help you spot the difference.
What Do Clothes Moths Look Like?
Adult clothes moths are small, about 1/2" in length. They are beige or gray in color and have narrow, hairy wings. The webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella, has red hair on its head. The casemaking clothes moth, Tinea pellionella, has dark spots on their wings. They are sometimes mistaken for pantry moths because of their similar appearance.
What Do Pantry Moths Look Like?
Adult pantry moths, Plodia interpunctella, are about 1/2" in length. They have narrow, gray wings with a section that is reddish-brown with black striping. The adults are typically spotted flying around. Pantry moth larvae are off-white and 1/2" in length. The larvae spin silky webs as they burrow around inside packages of food.
What Do Clothes Moths Eat?
Clothes moth larvae feed on the natural fibers in clothing and other fabric items including blankets, curtains, carpet, and upholstery. If synthetic materials are blended with natural fibers, clothes moths may be attracted to them as well. Clothes moths are also attracted to clothing with stains from food or sweat.
What Do Pantry Moths Eat?
Pantry moth larvae feed on and infest stored food items. They like to eat cereal, flour, grain, rice, and nuts. They will also feed on pet food, dry pasta, and dried fruits. Storing your food in sealed containers can help to prevent a pantry moth problem.
Clothes Moth Life Cycle
Clothes moths complete four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Their life cycle typically lasts between 60–90 days. Female clothes moths can lay around 50 eggs. The larvae are the ones that cause damage, feeding on fabric. When larvae transition into pupae, they create silky cocoons. These cocoons can help you identify an infestation. Adult moths will emerge from the cocoon, and the cycle will begin again.
Pantry Moth Life Cycle
Pantry moths complete the same life stages as clothes moths: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female pantry moths can lay up to 400 eggs at a time, and they choose spots close to food sources. The eggs will hatch within about a week, depending on the environment. The larvae feed on pantry items for a few months before transitioning into pupae. The cocoons can be placed in cracks, crevices, and even in food. When adults emerge from the cocoon a few weeks later, they’ll be ready to lay and fertilize eggs.
Do You Have Clothes Moths or Pantry Moths?
Though clothes moths and pantry moths are similar in appearance, they have different habits. Clothes moths are most likely to be found in closets and wardrobes, while pantry moths will be found near food sources in kitchens, pantries, and cabinets.
A clothes moth infestation may be harder to identify until damage occurs to clothes or fabric items. Clothes moths prefer dark areas and like to hide, which can make it tricky to spot them. Pantry moths are easier to see, and adults may be found flying around your kitchen. It is also possible to spot larvae in food packages. Moths can also be identified by the webbing or cocoons that get left behind.
How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths & Pantry Moths
Once moths get a foothold in your home, it can be difficult to get rid of them. It’s important to be vigilant so that you can spot problems quickly and take steps to prevent them from spreading and work to eliminate an infestation.
Traps for Clothes Moths & Pantry Moths
Traps can be an effective solution for clothes moths and pantry moths. There are traps with pheromones that will attract moths. Different pheromones will be attractive to different moth species, so you’ll want to use a trap that is labeled for the moths you are dealing with.
Clothes moths traps can kill adult male moths, preventing moths from mating and reproducing. Some may be labeled for specific species of clothes moths, such as webbing clothes moths or casemaking clothes moths. You can also use mothballs that contain 1,4-dichlorobenzene (paradichlorobenzene). These suffocate moths and larvae and will help to get rid of moths. Be sure to place the mothballs in areas inaccessible to children and pets.
Our Pantry Moth Trap attracts and kills adult pantry moths and larvae. It uses a non-toxic pheromone and can be used in cabinets, pantries, and around food. Simply place the trap in areas where you have seen moths. You’ll also want to remove infested goods to help get rid of the source of the problem.
Plant-Based Insecticide Sprays
Insecticide sprays formulated with plant essential oils can also help with moth problems. You can spot treat pantry moths and clothes moths you find in your home. Our Home Bug Spray and Flying Insect Killer are labeled to control moths. They will kill pests directly sprayed and provide residual repellency protection. You can also spray near common entry points to help deter moths and other pests from entering your home.
Pantry moths and clothes moths can be problematic when they settle down in homes. Once you identify an infestation, you’ll be able to take steps to get rid of these pests. If you’re dealing with moths or other pests, we want to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.