Adult moths do not eat hair or any other material. It is the larval stage of certain moth species that causes damage to natural fibers like hair, wool, and fur, consuming them for essential nutrients.
The Real Hair-Eaters
The actual culprits behind damage to natural fibers are the larvae of specific insects, primarily the common clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the varied carpet beetle (Anthrenus verbasci). These larvae possess specialized digestive systems capable of breaking down keratin, a fibrous protein found in hair, wool, feathers, and animal furs. They consume these materials for the amino acids and nutrients necessary for their growth.
Clothes moth larvae, typically creamy white with a brown head, chew irregular holes through fabrics. Carpet beetle larvae, often brownish and covered in bristles, also feed on keratin-rich materials, sometimes leaving a more generalized thinning or grazed appearance. The adult insects do not feed on textiles but lay the eggs that hatch into these destructive larvae.
Identifying an Infestation
Detecting an infestation often begins with observing damage to natural fiber items. Irregular holes in clothing, rugs, or even hair extensions and wigs can indicate an infestation. These holes often appear in undisturbed areas where items are stored for extended periods.
Other signs include small, silken tubes or webbing, constructed by clothes moth larvae as they feed. You might also find tiny, sand-like fecal pellets, known as frass, excretions of feeding larvae. Shed larval casings, resembling small, translucent grains of rice, are also found near damaged items.
Protecting Your Belongings
Preventing and controlling infestations requires consistent effort, focusing on cleanliness and proper storage. Regular vacuuming, especially in dark, undisturbed areas under furniture and along baseboards, helps remove eggs, larvae, and food sources. Dusting and cleaning storage surfaces also prevents infestations.
Storing natural fiber items in airtight containers, like plastic bins or vacuum-sealed bags, creates a barrier against pests. Cedar products, such as chests or hangers, emit oils that repel adult moths, though their effectiveness diminishes over time and requires periodic sanding to refresh the scent. Lavender sachets also deter pests naturally.
Before storing items, especially those worn or used, wash or dry-clean them. This removes eggs, residual skin cells, or food particles that attract pests. For items suspected of infestation, heat or cold treatments are effective; freezing items at 0°F (-18°C) for several days or heating them above 120°F (49°C) for a few hours can kill larvae and eggs. For widespread or persistent infestations, professional pest control may be necessary.