Casemaking Clothes Moth
Physical Features
Adults are brownish, ¼ inch long wings with fringe of hairs on the edge. The wings have three dark spot which can fade as the adult ages. One eye is on each site of the head. Larva are white , creamy and shiny and about ½ inch long. Pupation cases are the same color as the item being digested by the larva.
Life Cycle
Complete metamorphosis
Females lay eggs one at a time or in clusters. The eggs hatch within 4-10 days. The destructive larva will feed on fabrics and use the excrements to form their pupation cases. This will occur through a series of molts ranging from 5-45. The adults will emerge from cases within 2 months typically but can take several years for this to occur. Once they have emerged, they will die shortly after they lay eggs, usually within a month. Adults do not feed.
Habits
- Diet: Larva feed on woolen and animal fibers. Will feed on old insects that have died in walls.
- Activity: Mainly an interior pest staying away from well lit areas.
- Preferred Climate: Sensitive to severe cold and hot temperatures and dry climates. Prefer humidity at 75%.
- Defense: Pupating larva blend into fabrics they are laying on going undetected
- Cautions: Larva will create holes in fabrics.
- Home Invasion: Typically brought in on fabrics, rugs, old clothing.
Helpful Hints for Control
- Exposing fabrics to severe cold (72 hours) or heat (30 minutes) for lethal effect.
- Thoroughly inspect fabric items before bringing into home. Tightly seal stored fabrics.
- Pheromone traps for adults can be utilized in severe infestations. Finding the source of the larva and removing and cleaning area is necessary for full control.
Interesting Fact
Larva can sometimes be found in air ducts feeding on pet hair, lint collected in this area.
