Clothes moths and pantry moths can be a real source of aggravation. Clothes moths like to snack on your favorite clothing items, while pantry pests live, feed, and breed in pantry items. If you know what these pests eat, you can take steps to prevent and eliminate a moth infestation. Check out what pantry moths and clothes moths eat.
What Do Clothes Moths Eat?
Clothes moths get their name from their habit of feeding on fabric. Clothes moth larvae feed on the natural fibers found in fabric such as silk and wool. Clothes, curtains, upholstered furniture, carpet, and bedding can all become a treat for these pests. Clothes moth larvae may eat through synthetic materials that are blended with natural materials, looking for any natural fibers that may be hidden inside. Dirty clothes or fabric with stains can be appealing to these moths too. Adult clothes moths do not feed on clothing or fabric items.
What Do Pantry Moths Eat?
Pantry moths can be found hanging out in your kitchen cabinets and pantry. Pantry moth larvae feed on pantry items like grains, cereal, nuts, spices, and dried fruit. They are also known to eat pet food. Unlike the larvae, adult pantry moths don’t feed on the food. Once these moths are established, they multiply quickly. These pests will continue to live, breed, and feed on the pantry items until they are removed.
Tips to Prevent Clothes Moths
Implementing a few preventative measures can help to protect your clothes from hungry moths. We’ve made a list of tips to help prevent clothes moths.
- Keep your clothes clean and dry in your closet.
- Before bringing home clothes, check them for signs of moths.
- Vacuum living areas and closets to help reduce ideal conditions for moths and to remove eggs and larvae.
- Vacuum baseboards and along floorboards to remove hidden larvae.
- Don’t forget to vacuum under couches and other pieces of furniture.
- Empty the contents of the vacuum into a sealed bag and place it in an outdoor trash can.
- Traps for clothes moths are also effective at keeping moths away.
Tips to Prevent Pantry Moths
No one wants to share their food with pantry moths, which is why it’s important to take steps to keep these pests out of your home. Check out a few tips to help prevent pantry moths.
- Examine your groceries before bringing them home from the store for any signs of pests.
- Store your pantry items in airtight containers.
- Consume foods by their expiration date. Organize your pantry so older food containers are in the front and newer containers are in the back.
- Only buy the food you and your family will be able to use within a reasonable amount of time. The longer food is stored, the more likely it can become infested.
- Clean up crumbs and spills.
- Seal potential entry points.
- Use a non-toxic pantry moth trap that will attract and kill adult moths and larvae. Place the trap in cupboards and pantries to help prevent and get rid of any pantry moths.
Clothes moths and pantry moths can cause problems when they settle down in homes. Knowing what is likely to attract them to your home will make it easier to prevent an infestation. If you’re dealing with moths or other pests, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.