How to Identify Clothing Moths: Complete Visual Guide
Clothing moths can cause thousands of dollars in damage to natural fiber textiles. The key to protection is early identification. This guide will teach you to recognize the signs of an infestation before it becomes severe.
Common Clothing Moth Species
1. Common Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella)
- Adult size: 6-8mm wingspan
- Color: Golden-buff with reddish-gold head
- Behavior: Avoids light, prefers dark areas
- Peak activity: Spring and early summer
2. Case-Bearing Clothes Moth (Tinea pellionella)
- Adult size: 9-16mm wingspan
- Color: Brownish with dark spots on forewings
- Behavior: Less common but more destructive
- Peak activity: Late summer
Identifying Larvae (The Real Culprits)
The larvae, not the adult moths, cause the damage. Look for:
- Common clothes moth larvae: Creamy white caterpillars, 10-13mm long
- Case-bearing moth larvae: Live in portable cases made of silk and fabric fibers
- Feeding signs: Irregular holes in natural fibers, especially wool, silk, and cashmere
Damage Patterns
What Moth Damage Looks Like:
- Small, irregular holes (not round like other pests)
- Concentrated in hidden areas (folds, under collars, in storage)
- Often accompanied by silk webbing
- Preference for soiled or stained areas
What It's NOT:
- Round holes (likely carpet beetles)
- Damage to synthetic fibers only
- Large, torn areas (likely physical damage)
Where to Look
High-risk areas:
- Closets with infrequent use
- Under stairs and in basements
- Stored woolens and blankets
- Upholstered furniture
- Carpets, especially under heavy furniture
Warning signs:
- Adult moths flying in closets or storage areas
- Larvae crawling on walls or ceilings
- Silk webbing in corners
- Fecal pellets (tiny dark specks)
Next Steps
If you've identified clothing moths:
- Immediate action: Remove infested items
- Assessment: Determine extent of infestation
- Treatment: Follow our comprehensive treatment guide
- Prevention: Implement our prevention checklist
Early detection gives you the best chance of saving your textiles and preventing extensive damage.