Moths

Moths are a pest in homes because of the damage their larvae cause to clothes, fabrics, furs, leather and carpets. This damage may continue for many weeks after moth caterpillars have hatched. Serious harm may have been done before numbers of flying moths are seen and so prevention of a moth problem is important. Moths do not pose a health risk, but an established moth problem is likely to require professional assistance.

Common Moths

There are four common species of moth infestation in the home:

The Common Clothes Moth

Adults 6-8mm with straw-coloured wings and no markings. Larvae is creamy white with a brown head and up to 10mm long. The Moth Larvae make irregular holes in fabrics.

Case Bearing Clothes Moth

Found particularly with imported animal fabrics. Adults are 6mm long with a dark-buff colour and three faint spots. Creamy-white Larvae up to 10mm. Makes more regular holes in fabric than Common Clothes Moth

Brown House Moth

Adults are 8-14mm and brown with three or four darker spots. Larvae up to 20mm, off-white with brown head. Larvae feed on a wide range of animal textiles including wool, leather and feathers.

White Shouldered House Moth

Adults 6-10mm in length with a white head and mottled wings. Larvae up to 12mm, cream coloured with red-brown head. Larvae scavenge on a wide range of food. Less damaging to textiles than clothes or brown house moths.