There are so many pests that try to take advantage of our homes! Like if all of our other problems aren’t enough, we have to constantly battle with all the creepy crawlies that want to nest in our living spaces. Of course, cohabiting with pests never works in our favour, and getting rid of these fiends is a priority for every household.
For example, moths are probably one of the most unpleasant creatures. You almost never know when or how they got in until you see a damaged hole in your favourite wool coat in your closet or the ruined flour in the pantry. And if you want to be prepared for them, you should read a little about the different kinds of moths you should know about. After this, you’ll be prepared for everything.
Four Destructive Types of Moths
There are actually thousands of moth species, but most people won’t encounter even a fraction of them. Even though not all are considered pests, unfortunately for us, the most common types of moths are just that. You should be keeping an eye out for these five types.
Common Clothes Moth
The common clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella), as you can guess by the name, is the most common kind of moth, and it eats textile. The adult moths of this kind are only 8 mm long. The larvae, from which they appear, are about 10 mm long, and they’re creamy in colour, with a brown head. When they feed, they leave unsymmetrical holes in the fabrics. The adult species have wings, which are straw coloured and have no special marks on them. When you first look at the common clothes moth, you’ll probably think it’s just another regular butterfly, but make no mistake—these moths are real enemies of your clothing and everything made from natural fabrics. This is why you should call an exterminator to get rid of them right away.
Brown House Moth
The brown house moth (Hofmannophila pseudospretella) is a little bigger than the common clothes moth. The adult species can grow up to 14 mm in size. Self-explanatory by the name, the colour of its wings is brown, and it has a few darker spots on its wings. The larvae of this creature are also quite big—it can get up to 20 mm in length. They can attack your pantry, with their favourites being flour, grains, and even potatoes. They don’t stop there. Your clothes are also in danger in the mouths of these moths. They feed on natural fabrics like leather, wool, feathers, etc. So if you have brown house moths, you can see damage on carpets, upholstery, and clothing. The only good news is they don’t eat synthetics, so at least this part of your wardrobe is safe.
Case-bearing Clothes Moth
The case-bearing clothes moth (Tinea pellionella) can be confused with the common clothes moth or carpet moth. It’s about the same size—8 mm in length. You might be able to differentiate them only by the colour. While the common clothes moth is light, while the case-bearing clothes moth is quite dark. Its wings are dark brown with three faint spots on its back. The larvae of these moths are also creamy white in colour, and they’re also 10 mm long. The holes in the fabrics, made by the case-bearing clothes moth, have regular shapes compared to the common clothes moth. If you ever stumble upon any mentioned kinds of moths, don’t hesitate and call a pest control company before your wardrobe gets irreparably damaged.
Pale-backed Clothes Moth
The pale-backed clothes moth (Monopis crocicapitella) is a dangerous moth species. It feeds on natural fibres like wool, silk, and fur, among others. Its larvae also contribute to fabric destruction. While an infestation may appear to be a minor inconvenience at first glance, it can quickly become costly (due to the repair and replacement of garments, carpets, and so on). It is critical that homeowners are aware of this potential issue and take appropriate preventative measures. Since these moths are the most active during summer if you store away your winter clothes and don’t check up on them… You might find them significantly damaged. It’s crucial to clean and store clothing properly to avoid infestations. The same is true for food storage, and you should store your grains and cereals in airtight containers.
White-shouldered House Moth
This is the last kind of moth we’ll be talking about today, the white-shouldered house moth (Endrosis sarcitrella). While fabrics are not its first meal choice, it can still cause damage to wool clothing and other animal-based fabrics. The adult moths are about 10 mm long with a very distinct look with a white head and brown body. Its larvae are about 12 mm long, creamy white in colour and with a reddish brown head. These omnivorous moths prefer feeding on bran, grains and cereals.
Hiring Pest Control for Moth Problems
When the situation gets out of hand, the most sensible thing to do is to hire pest control for your moth problem. Good professionals will examine the property, find the cause, and treat it. Usually, the treatment is fogging or heat treatment. After treatments like this, no moths survive. Even if you see activity, professional pest control companies offer a secondary treatment to take care of that as well.
Takeaways
In summary, it’s important to be aware of the different types of moth pests that can wreak havoc on your home or storage. By understanding their habits and behaviours, you’ll be better equipped to prevent infestations and protect your belongings. Remember to keep an eye out for common clothes moths, brown house moths, case-bearing and pale-backed clothes moths, and finally, the white-shouldered house moths. These are the five most common species you’re likely to encounter. If you do notice signs of an infestation, don’t wait too long before taking action and call in a professional pest control service if necessary. With some basic knowledge and preventative measures in place, you can keep these pesky insects at bay and enjoy a moth-free environment!
