The Common Clothes Moth
(Tineola bisselliella)

Adult size (approx.): 0.4cm-0.7cm

 

Moths – cause damage to natural fibres. Damage to clothes if undtected can be expensive and contrasting to the cost and effectiveness of treatment.

 

Essex & Herts Pest Control use the latest pesticide with a growth regulator to deal with moth problems.

Habitat

The Common Clothes Moth is found indoors throughout Britain. They are a reasonably cold hardy and associated with natural products especially woven fibres, furs, feather products and fertilisers. Most damage caused by this Moth is at the larval stage.

Biology

Egg – Larvae – Pupae – Adult
Egg: the eggs are laid in a suitable larval food normally among clothing or carpet fibres. They hatch above 10 degrees centigrade in approx 1-5 weeks
Larvae: a whitish caterpillar that forms silk tunnels camouflaged with debris. They feed at night and hide by day in the tunnels formed. Develop in 2-7 months
Pupae: inside the last of their larval skin concealed in fabric. Develop in 2 weeks to 2 months
Adult: small, straw coloured body with fringed wings. The females do not fly, males occasionally. They do not feed and are short lived

Importance

A nuisance pest that can cause severe damage if untreated in museums as well as in domestic areas creating holes in clothing and carpets.

Control

Good hygiene is essential. The use of a vacuum cleaner to hoover up the larvae and cases will help in preventing damage. A residual spray throughout with the use of a smoke bomb to eradicate any live Moths. Where there are valuable fabrics, the use of a pheromone trap can be used to attract young adults.