About Clothes Moths (Tineola bisselliella & Tinea pellionella)

Activity: Silent Destroyers of Natural Fabrics

Clothes moths are secretive, slow-flying pests that thrive in dark, undisturbed areas. Unlike pantry moths that are attracted to light, clothes moths prefer to stay hidden in closets, attics, basements, and storage boxes. Their activity often goes unnoticed until significant damage has been done. Peak activity occurs in warmer months, but indoor heating allows them to remain active year-round in Quebec homes.

The larvae, not the adult moths, are responsible for feeding on and damaging natural fibers.

Diet: What Clothes Moths Eat & Why It Matters

Clothes moth larvae feed exclusively on natural animal-based fibers, such as:

• Wool, silk, cashmere, fur, feathers, and leather

• Natural fiber carpets, upholstery, and even stuffed animals

• Clothing, blankets, and heirloom fabrics

They are particularly attracted to items stained with food, sweat, or body oils, which provide essential nutrients. Unlike other pests, clothes moths can remain unnoticed for months while steadily damaging valuable textiles.

Size: Small but Destructive

Adult clothes moths are small, measuring 6 to 10 mm in length, with a wingspan of 9 to 16 mm.

• Tineola bisselliella (Webbing Clothes Moth): Uniformly golden or beige, with no distinctive markings.

• Tinea pellionella (Case-Bearing Clothes Moth): Dull grayish-brown with faint spots on wings.

Larvae are creamy-white caterpillars with brown heads, growing up to 12 mm before pupating. Despite their small size, they can cause extensive damage to wardrobes, rugs, and antique fabrics.

Nesting Habits: Where Clothes Moths Live

Clothes moths prefer dark, undisturbed areas with minimal airflow. Common nesting and feeding sites include:

• Closets, drawers, and storage boxes

• Underneath furniture and rugs

• Inside upholstered furniture and wall hangings

• Basements, attics, and seldom-used rooms

They often go unnoticed because they avoid light and open spaces, laying eggs directly on fabric or hidden crevices where larvae can easily feed.

Why Professional Treatment Is Crucial

Clothes moth infestations are difficult to detect and eliminate without professional help because:

• Eggs and larvae are tiny and well-camouflaged

• DIY sprays rarely penetrate deep into carpets, upholstery, and storage areas

• Infestations often recur if not fully eradicated

Professional pest control ensures:

• Accurate identification of the species

• Targeted treatments that eliminate eggs, larvae, and adults

• Comprehensive inspection to locate all infested areas
  Without expert intervention, valuable belongings remain at risk of ongoing damage.

Signs of a Clothes Moth Infestation

Early Detection = Damage Control

Be on the lookout for these warning signs:

• Irregular Holes in Clothes or Fabrics: Especially in wool, cashmere, and silk items.

• Silken Webbing or Cases: Fine threads or tube-like structures on infested items.

• Larvae or Eggs: Small, white caterpillars and tiny eggs in dark, hidden spots.

• Adult Moths Flying Indoors: Small beige or gray moths fluttering in closets or near fabric storage.

• Moth Frass (Excrement): Fine, sand-like particles found near feeding areas.

• Damaged Carpets & Upholstery: Especially along edges, under furniture, and in low-traffic areas.

Understanding the Problem: Clothes Moth Infestations

Clothes moths are more than a nuisance—they are a serious threat to valuable textiles.

• Infestations often go unnoticed for months

• Damage can be costly to repair or even irreversible

• They can spread to multiple areas of a home or business

• Over-the-counter sprays and mothballs are often ineffective in eliminating the entire population

Professional pest control services are essential for thorough elimination and long-term protection.

Our Professional Approach to Clothes Moth Control

We provide a comprehensive, targeted solution for clothes moth infestations:

 Detailed Inspection

• Identify infested areas and susceptible items.

• Determine the extent of the infestation and locate hidden larvae and eggs.

 Customized Treatment Plan

• Use of professional-grade insecticides, dusts, and pheromone traps.

• Vacuuming and steam treatments for delicate fabrics and infested areas.

• Application of insect growth regulators (IGRs) to prevent future outbreaks.

 Long-Term Prevention Measures

• Recommendations for proper storage practices and humidity control.

• Sealing cracks and crevices where moths may hide.

• Ongoing monitoring and follow-up treatments as needed.

Our goal is to protect your belongings, eliminate current infestations, and prevent future damage.