Moths (Webbing Clothing Moth)

Description:

• Color: wings and body are buff/golden except for reddish hairs on top of the head. Larvae are small caterpillars that are a clear to creamy-white color with a light brown head capsule.
• Size: adults are 1/2 inch long from wing tip to wing tip; when the wings are folded, the insect is about 1/4 inch long. Larvae are 1/2 inch long when mature.

Habits of the Webbing Clothing Moth:

• Females carefully place their (40 to 50) eggs deep in the mesh of the infested fabric by attaching the eggs with a glue they secrete.
• The newly emerged larvae begin to feed immediately. They often spin silken tunnels or mats, incorporating fragments of the textile being infested and bits of feces into its construction.
• Adults have nonfunctional mouthparts and do not feed.
• Developmental time (egg to adult): 35 days to two years.
• Life span of adults: approximately two weeks.
• They seldom are seen because they avoid light.

Damage Caused by the Webbing Clothing Moth:

• Larvae feed upon clothes, carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, felt, animal hair, and stored wool and especially enjoy feeding upon soiled materials.

Look for:

• Damage to various products.
• Larvae and/or their webbing.

How to Control and Kill Webbing Clothing Moths:

• Infestations should be prevented by frequent and thorough cleaning of susceptible materials.
• Rugs and furniture should also be thoroughly vacuumed to prevent infestations.
• Clothing should be stored in tightly closed containers.
• Clothing infested with webbing clothes moths should be decontaminated by dry cleaning or laundering.

Innovative Pest Management serves the Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland area. Call us at (240) 755-0077 to schedule a free quote or appointment.