Bug Facts - Moths
Food Moths
 The Indian meal moth is the most common
moth we deal with. They have stripes that go across the
wings.
This pest can infest any organic matter found in the
pantry and it is the most common insect found in packages of
whole wheat, graham flour, and corn meal.
Another food moth we deal with are Angoumois Grain Moths.
It attacks dried grains in storage as well as those maturing
in the field. This moth is active at low temperatures and
does much damage in the winter.
Reproduction
Certain food moths, because of dormancy in summer, may
have a full life cycle from 3 weeks to as much as 1 year.
The larvae is 9 to 19 mm in length, and is usually dirty
white in color, but may range from pink to brown to a
greenish tinge.
Larvae pupate mostly in March and emerge in April. The
female commences to oviposit about three days after
emergence, laying 200 to 400 eggs.
Fabric Pests
Fabric moths can be confused with a species of the grain
moth.
It is the larvae of the fabric moth that does the most
damage to clothing. Items damaged are those containing a
protein material known as keratin. It is a naturally
occurring material in wood, hair, fur, horns, hoofs, and
feathers.
The Webbing Clothes Moth and the Casemaking Moth are the
two most commonly encountered species. A third kind, the
tapestry or carpet moth is seldom a problem in the U.S.
Webbing clothes moths are covered with shiny golden
scales and their eyes are black. The head of the Webbing
clothes moth is covered with reddish-brown hair. They are
weak flyers.
They like the darker areas of the room and avoid light.
Reproduction
The casemaking clothes moth has to encase itself in a
silken tube or case, in which it lives.
The forepart of its body and legs protrude and it drags
its case behind as it moves to newer feeding areas. The
larvae will die if removed from this silken case.
When ready to pupate the larva draws itself completely
inside the case and seals off both ends.
The normal life cycle is 2 to 3 months, but may take up
to 4 years.
The first stage larvae cannot survive on clean wool. They
need additional nutrients provided by soiled woolens.
treatment
Prior to treatment for fabric pests suspected clothing
should be inspected and dry-cleaned or washed in hot water
and detergent.
If problem is a food/pantry problem then cupboards need
to be cleaned out and older food inspected and/or discarded
prior to treatment.
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