The Webbing Clothes Moths, also known as Common Clothes Moths, are a widely-distributed species across England, Scotland, Wales, and all parts of Ireland.
Scientifically referred to as Tineola bisselliella,these winged insects were first described in 1823. They are relatively easy to recognize: small in size, with a pale golden-brown colour, and a red-orange tuft of hair on top of the head.
Most importantly: they will nest in your wardrobe and often do a lot of damage if adequate moth control measures are not taken timely and professionally.
A certified pest control Brent service provider can tell you all you need to know about the origins, spread, and extermination of clothes moths. Alternatively, you can keep on reading and learn all the basics you’ll need to know.
Life cycle and reproduction of clothes moths
The life cycle of a common clothes moth begins when the female lays her eggs near a reliable source of food. Needless to say, fabrics are among her favourite places to do so.
Once hatched, the moth larvae will spend the next months (two months to almost two years in some cases) feeding and growing. In this period, their hiding place will look like a spiderweb-like netting that is generally easy to spot during a careful wardrobe inspection.
In the last stage of their physical development, larvae will spin a little cocoon and pupate themselves inside of it. They will remain inside for one or two months before emerging as adult specimens.
Surprisingly, adults will neither feed on fabrics nor live very long. The only goal of their adultery is reproducing, as they die soon after. This final stage of their life cycle lasts about 30 days, during which a female moth is capable of laying up to 300 eggs.
What do clothes moths actually feed on?
The common moth larvae feed exclusively on animal materials such as wool, feathers, silk, fur, or hair. Animal-made clothing goods contain keratin – a fibrous protein easily digestible by the young moths.
That’s precisely the reason why cour cotton and synthetic fabric goods will rarely be attacked by clothes moths. Sadly, we cannot say the same for expensive wool carpetings, silk bedding, or fur coats.
Another food source for clothes moths is human bodily fluids and dirt. That’s why storing garments with sweat, blood, urine, or other impurities will put them in danger, even if they are cotton-made or synthetic.
Those little white-greyish tubes are the place where moth caterpillars live. You may happen to spot the tube while it’s empty. This means that the worm of the moth is out there, growing up, and maturing.
Multiple silken tubes indicate the presence of numerous moth worms, and that’s bad news for you. To prevent further infestation, clean up your stuff, and consult with professional pest control as soon as possible. That’s the best way to receive adequate instructions on handling the situation.
How to get rid of clothes moths in your home?
When battling clothes moths, prevention is the most intelligent course of action. It means storing your clothes perfectly clean and well-protected by using various scents that moths despise. These can include lavender, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, citruses, or eucalyptus, for example.
As you can already understand, spotting an adult moth means things have already gone too far. In that case, calling a professional moth exterminator will be your best shot if you’d like to keep your valuable belongings safe from harm in the long run.
