Clothing Eating Insects

In the winter months there is often a fear that moths will begin eating their way through clothing stored in closets and drawers.

There are several pest species of moth and a few species of beetles that are the most likely culprits for damage to clothing, carpets and furniture. These species eat clothing and fabrics with natural fibers that contain the protein Keratin. Keratin is a chief component protein found in hair, fingernails and skin but is also found in feathers, horn, hoofs, leather, wool, silk and other animal products. Taxidermies like mounted animal heads and birds are also covered in keratin based fur, hair and feathers.

Utilizing good housekeeping techniques and being vigilant in looking for infestations will help you to keep your belongings in good shape for future use.

Tineola bisselliella

Webbing Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella) This species is a small adult moth with a wingspan of about 1/2 inch that is native to Eurasia but has spread to many locations with human inhabitation. The Webbing Clothes Moth has been found in all 50 states but is less likely to occur in very dry areas. Larvae of this species feed on keratin containing fabrics such as furs, wool and silk.

These moths are particularly drawn to woolens and silks stained with oils from the human body, human sweat, hair, urine, beer, tomato, soft drinks or milk. These products, even in trace amounts, contain nutrients and vitamins that help the larva grow. Clothing infested with Webbing Clothes Moths will have a network of silken fibers or webbing over the surface of the fabric.

Tinea pellionella case and moth

Adult moths are more abundant in warmer months. This species and other types of clothes moth are not attracted to light and prefer dark attics and deep closets.

Case-Making Clothes Moth (Tinea pellionella) originated in Europe but can be found in North America and Australia. This species is less common than the Webbing Clothes Moth.

The larvae of this species make small hardened cases that they pull along with them similar to a snail in a shell. Larvae will retreat into their cases when threatened. In addition to woolens, silks, furs, feathers and other natural fabrics this species will also feed on old bird nests (especially pigeon nests), cobwebs, wallpapers and stored vegetable produce.

Trichophaga tapetzella

Carpet or Tapestry Moth (Trichophaga tapetzella) This species is the least common of the clothes moths and reproduces in lower numbers with females laying only 60-1090 eggs in their lifetime. Antique tapestries and carpets have been known to be infested by the Tapestry Moth.

This species thrives especially in places with high humidity such as with tapestries hung on a damp wall or items stored in non-climate controlled structures.

Anthrenus flavipes larvae and adult on wool

Carpet Beetles: The Furniture Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus flavipes), Common Carpet Beetle Black Carpet Beetle (Attagenus unicolor) and Varied Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci) are a selection of vary small pest beetles also known to consume natural fibers containing keratin.

These species are especially found hosting on woolen rugs and upholstery. IFAS offers an excellent guide to identifying and controlling carpet beetles.
(Anthrenus scrophulariae),

Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are ancient insects that eat sugars, starches and also keratin based items like hair and woolen fabric. Silverfish will also consume paper, sugar, photos, clothing, and tapestry.

Close-up of a Silverfish, Lepisma saccharina

Avoiding the problem- An Ounce of Prevention: Clothes moths are especially drawn to natural fabrics that are stored for long periods in dark spaces. These species can survive in very small spaces and are able to access tiny cracks in corners and small spaces under baseboards. To avoid these species start with good housekeeping and be vigilant with checking in on your stored belogings.

• Store your natural fabrics after they have been properly cleaned. Dry cleaning will destroy moths and moth eggs that may be resident on natural fabrics. Cold storage will also prevent moth eggs from hatching and kill larvae.
• Use a vacuum with good suction on carpets and baseboards in closets where clothing is stored. Also vacuum the walls and any places with crevices where moths may be resident.
• Store natural fabrics in a clean, airtight containers or storage bags.
• Check on your stored items every so often to check for damage. This will help to catch an infestation in the early stages.
• Store very valuable fur and natural fabric items like wool rugs in a professional cold vault.
• Avoid storing discarded feather filled pillows, comforters, carpet pieces or old clothing. If you won’t have a future use for an item, find it a new home.
• Store moth traps along with your stored natural fabrics and check these traps regularly. This will help you detect infestations before they get out of control.
• Take items out of storage and air them out, sun them and brush them clean. This will help items in long term storage remain clean of dust and debris that might be attractive to pests.
• Storing items in a cedar chest is helpful but not 100% effective. Retreat the wood with an application of cedar oil every two years and make sure that the chest or closet has a tight fitting door or lid.
• Use and rotate stored items regularly. Items taken out of storage, used and cleaned properly before being stored again are very unlikely to be subject to moth infestation.
• If you purchase an antique or used taxidermy, wool rug or natural fiber cloth item, check it over carefully and make sure it is free of clothes moths before you bring it into your home.

Getting Rid of Pest Clothes Moths- A Pound of Cure: Clothing and natural fiber products infested with clothes moths and carpet beetles can be heavily damaged and left with holes of many sizes.

• Cleaning: When you notice a problem, act quickly. Take infested items outside for airing and brushing. Clean them thoroughly to remove moth larva.
• Dry Cleaning: Dry cleaning an infested piece of clothing will kill clothes moths.
• Freezing: A small item can be placed in a bag and placed in a freezer for three full days to kill off larvae and eggs.
• Moth Balls: Moth balls are marketed to be stored with natural fiber items to prevent infestation and also to kill populations of clothes moths. These moth balls are an insecticide and should be used carefully.
• Napthalene moth balls utilize a chemical gas that is repellant to clothes moths. This gas is heavier than air and high concentrations are necessary to deter a population of moths. This means you need a lot of moth balls and a well sealed space to create enough gas to combat clothes moths. Napthalene is dangerous to children and pets and is also flammable. This chemical is carcinogenic.
• Paradichlorobenzene moth balls also evaporate into a heavier-than-air gas that kills moth larvae. As with Napthalene, high concentrations of mothballs and an airtight space are needed to ensure distribution of the gas in concentrations high enough to kill larva. This chemical is a likely carcinogen.
• Insecticides: IFAS has a document that covers the application and use of numerous pesticides prescribed for the treatment of clothes moths and carpet beetles. Pesticides can be very hazardous and should only be used when necessary and according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Professional fumigation and cold treatment: Larger scale or heavier infestation will likely require a professional. Contact a pest treatment company for professional help.