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Clothes or Clothing Moth

- Larvae feed on fabric, dried skins and hair -

Summary: Clothes moths infest closets, drawers and storage areas. Damage occurs when larvae feed on certain animal-based fabrics like wool and silk. Sanitation and attention to how fabrics are stored are the key to clothes moth control.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)

What are clothes moths?

Clothes moth larvae (below) feed on a variety of dried animal protein; adult moths (right) do not feed. Damage most often occurs when larvae feed on wool cloth, upholstery, rugs, felt, dried skins, hair and similar materials (not synthetic fabrics, cotton and other plant-based fabrics). Other fabrics may be damaged, however, if they are in contact with infested fabrics made of animal protein.

Clothes moths are small buff-colored moths. One species has dark spots on the wings. Female moths rarely fly. Larvae can do considerable damage to certain types of fabrics and other natural articles. Generally, only items in longterm storage or those that are not disturbed for long periods sustain damage. Items that are regularly used and cleaned are much less likely to be infested.

common terms: moth-eaten clothes, clothing moth, webbing clothes moth, casemaking clothes moth
clothes moth (adult)

Clothes moth (probably the webbing clothes moth) approximately 1/2" long. Notice fringe of hairs at ends of wings and reddish-golden hairs on head.
 

Clothes Moth Traps

Clothes moths are not attracted to bright lights as many moths are but tend to seek darker areas or dim light. This behavior makes them difficult to detect in dark closets and drawers. You'll probably notice fabric damage before you see the moths.

If you suspect clothes moth, based on damage you find, use pheromone traps (left) placed in the closet or drawer. These traps will capture male webbing clothes moths only. Traps won't eliminate an infestation but may reduce numbers until you can take further action.

Protecting fabrics from clothes moth larvae

Clothes moth larvae are especially damaging to fabric that has been stained or soiled. Food stains and sweat are especially attractive. In fact, there is evidence that clothes moth larvae will not develop on clean fabric because it lacks certain necessary nutrients. Therefore, always launder or dry clean clothes before putting them into longterm storage.

Only use air-tight storage boxes or bags for longterm storage and store only clean clothes. Infested closets and drawers should be emptied and thoroughly cleaned. There is no need to treat indoor spaces with insecticide.

Don't use mothballs!

We don't recommend mothballs for fabric pests because of the toxicity of this material to people. See our (Not) Using Mothballs article for details about (not) using mothballs.
clothes moth larva
Clothes moth larva, about 1/2" long.
clothes moth cocoons
Silken clothes moth cocoons. Notice the shed skins at lower left.

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Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.

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