While wool is a common target, it’s a misconception that moths exclusively damage wool garments. It is not the adult moths that cause destruction, but their hungry larvae, which are responsible for holes and damage in various household items.
More Than Just Wool: What Moths Really Eat
Moth larvae consume a diverse range of natural fibers and materials. Their diet is primarily driven by the need for keratin, a fibrous protein found in animal-based materials like wool, cashmere, angora, alpaca, silk, fur, felt, and feathers. Items such as down pillows, comforters, upholstered furniture, and taxidermy mounts are also susceptible.
Beyond animal fibers, moth larvae can also attack plant-based materials like cotton, linen, and rayon, especially if blended with wool or heavily soiled. Body oils, perspiration, food stains, and pet hair can make these materials attractive by providing additional nutrients. Some moth species, distinct from clothes moths, also target stored food products like grains, cereals, and nuts.
The True Culprits: Clothes Moths and Their Habits
The primary offenders behind textile damage are two specific species: the Webbing Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the Casemaking Clothes Moth (Tinea pellionella). Adult moths themselves do not feed; their sole purpose is to reproduce. The female moths lay tiny, pinhead-sized eggs, typically 40-50, directly onto suitable materials.
These eggs hatch into creamy-white larvae with dark-colored heads, which are the destructive stage of the moth life cycle. Webbing clothes moth larvae spin silken tubes or patches of webbing as they feed, incorporating excrement and fabric particles. Casemaking clothes moth larvae create a portable, cigar-shaped silken case from consumed fibers, carrying it as they move and feeding from either end.
Larval development can vary greatly, lasting from 35 days to 2.5 years, depending on environmental conditions and food availability.
Protecting Your Belongings: Prevention and Control
Recognizing the signs of a moth infestation is the first step in addressing the problem. Common indicators include small, irregular holes in fabrics, silken tubes or cases clinging to materials, excessive shedding from furs, and tiny crusty accumulations (frass) that match the fabric color. Adult moths fluttering around, especially in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, are also a clear sign.
Effective prevention begins with rigorous cleaning practices. Regularly vacuuming carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture, particularly in crevices and under heavy items, helps remove eggs and larvae. Laundering or dry cleaning items before storage is also important, as heat treatments can kill all life stages of moths. For delicate items, freezing them in sealed plastic bags for several days at temperatures below 18°F can be an effective alternative.
Proper storage is another defense. Store seasonal or rarely used clothing in airtight containers, vacuum-sealed bags, or garment bags to prevent moths from accessing them. Natural deterrents like cedar and lavender can be placed in closets and drawers, although their effectiveness as sole deterrents can fade over time. Regular inspection of vulnerable items, especially those in dark, undisturbed storage, allows for early detection and intervention. For severe infestations, professional pest control services may be necessary to eliminate the problem.