Description
Webbing clothes moths (Tineola bisselliella) are tiny moths are only ¼ inch long, a reddish/gold color with little tufts of hairs on their heads. They normally are found near infested items and tend to flutter about instead of flying in a straight line. Larvae feed on fabrics and rugs causing damage to clothing and textiles. This species is the most common clothes moth in the United States.
Target Items
Animal based fibers such as wool, silk, fur or feathers. They prefer wool clothing, and blends that contain wool, carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, animal bristles in brushes, and wool felt piano pads. The larvae seek out hidden dark locations to feed, such as beneath collars or cuffs and in the crevices of upholstered furniture and carpet under furniture. Soiled woolens are the primary food of clothes moth larvae as they cannot complete development on clean wool since they require certain vitamins present only in stained or soiled fabrics.
Life Cycle
Females lay up to 50 eggs during their 2–3-week lifetime. Eggs are attached to fabric and hatch in 4-10 days. Larvae are shiny white with a dark colored head. They spin webbing as they feed. They generally remain in this larval stage for 2-3 months, but in unfavorable conditions they can continue as larvae for over 2 years!
Beneficial Insect Control
Trichogramma spp.—is a parasitic wasp that seeks out moth eggs. They will not kill moth larvae or adults but can be useful to disrupt the moth life cycle. They generally lay 60-70 eggs over a period of 1-2 weeks, inhibiting maturation of the pest population. Use during moth flight and when moth eggs are present.
Instructions for Use
Trichogramma are shipped as parasitized moth eggs fixed to cardboard sheets. The sheets are perforated into 30 small squares, each with 4,000 to 5,000 Trichogramma. Carefully tear the sheets along the perforations and distribute immediately or hold in containers with food until the adults begin to emerge. Place in areas of concern or infestation such as in closets, rugs or any area with natural fibers.
To help Trichogramma off to a good start, consider creating an area for them to mate and feed before releasing.
- Enclose each square of cardboard in a small, screened paper cup or jar, along with a small piece of cotton moistened with dilute honey or fruit juice. (If honey is too thick, they could get stuck.)
- Hold for 2-10 days at 76-78°F.
- When the Trichogramma begin to emerge, uncover and place the cups throughout house.
Repeat as needed. It may be helpful to use in conjunction with clothes moth pheromone traps. The traps will indicate when the moths are in flight and the females are laying eggs. This is the time that Trichogramma will be the most value.
Control Tips
- Thoroughly clean and vacuum under furniture, along baseboards and in cracks where hair and debris collect, inside closets and around heaters and vents.
- Store valuable woolen items in a clean, pest-free airtight container to exclude females from laying eggs.
- Periodically hang natural fibers in the sun and brush furs to destroy eggs and expose larvae. Larvae dislike sunlight and will drop from the fabrics to find protection.
- Periodic dry cleaning of clothing items, since larvae are more likely to feed on soiled fabrics. This will kill all stages of clothes moth but not prevent reinfestation.
- If possible, freeze infested fabrics for a few days to kill eggs and larvae.
- Woolen items should be cleaned and stored in sealed boxes. Cedar chests provide protection.
- Avoid the use of mothballs which contain toxic chemicals and can also be dangerous to humans.
Resources
Trichogramma Tech Sheet – Sound Horticulture
In Defense of Clothes Moths, Marvels of Evolution – Entomology Today 2023
Clothes Moths – Utah State 2008
Clothes Moths – University of Maryland Extension 2024
Clothes Moths – University of Florida/IFAS 2021