There are many moths in the world, but pantry moths and clothes moths are the ones most likely to invade your home. Clothes moths feed on fabric, often leading to damage. Pantry moths infest dry goods in pantries and kitchens. We’ve gathered information about clothes moths and pantry moths to help you identify and eliminate an infestation.
What Do Clothes Moths Look Like?
Adult clothes moths are small, growing to about 1/2" in length. They’re beige or gray with narrow, hairy wings. Some clothes moths, like the webbing clothes moth, have reddish hair on their head. Casemaking clothes moths have dark spots on their wings. Clothes moth larvae look like white caterpillars and are about 1/2".
What Do Pantry Moths Look Like?
Adult pantry moths are about 3/8" in length. They have a brown body with gray or brown wings. The Indian meal moth has reddish-brown coloring on the bottom of its wings. Pantry moth larvae are worm-like with a cream body and dark head. The larvae grow to about 1/2" in length. These pests can spin a silky web in your pantry and containers.
What is a Moth's Life Cycle?
Understanding a moth’s life cycle can help you fight an infestation. Adult moths lay eggs near their larvae’s food sources. They can lay between 40 and 50 eggs. Warm temperatures can cause eggs to hatch faster, between 4 and 10 days. The larvae emerge and spin a web or casing around themselves for protection. During this stage, they feed on their preferred food source. Their larval stage can range from a month to a couple years. After this stage, they enter the pupal stage before emerging as adults. Moths will continue to breed and can do so quickly, which is why it’s important to take steps to eliminate all stages of their life cycle.
Signs of a Moth Infestation
If you can catch a moth problem early, it will be easier to eliminate an infestation. Check out a few signs that moths have invaded your home.
- The easiest way to spot a clothes moth infestation is by noticing damage to your clothes. Look for small holes in clothing items or fabric.
- Clothes moths and pantry moths can create a silk webbing that may be noticeable in closets and pantries.
- Spotting moths in their various life stages is also an indicator, but this may not be noticeable at first. Adult clothes moths don’t travel far from their larvae’s food source. Pantry moths are more likely to fly around looking for food.
- You may also spot the casings from moth cocoons in areas where they are hiding.
How to Get Rid of Moths
If you’re dealing with a moth infestation, there are steps you can take to remove them from your space. Check out a few tips to help get rid of moths.
- Wash and dry your clothes on a high heat setting. You can also dry clean items that require this service.
- Clean your closet or clothing storage areas with a vacuum to help remove moths and their eggs.
- Mothballs that are labeled for clothes moths can help to get rid of these pests. Always read and follow label directions prior to use.
- Examine your food and throw away infested items in an outdoor trash bin.
- Clean your cabinets with warm water and soap. Vacuum the shelves including the corners.
- Seal your food in containers with a tight-fitting lid.
- Spot treat moths with a plant-based insecticide spray.
- Apply an insecticide dust to the cracks and crevices of pantries and cabinets to help kill pantry moths.
- Use a pantry moth trap that is designed to attract and kill pantry moths. Place the trap in areas where you have seen moth activity.
From damaging clothing to contaminating food, moths aren’t the best housemates. Thankfully, there are things you can do to get rid of these pests. If you’re dealing with a pest problem, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.