Skip Maine state header navigation

Agencies | Online Services | Help

Skip First Level Navigation | Skip All Navigation

Ask the Expert Button
Home > Bugs > Bugs of Homes and Structures > Clothes Moths

Clothes Moths

Clothes moths are pests because they cause considerable damage to clothing, carpets and furniture in the home. Unlike most moths, they avoid light and prefer dark, undisturbed areas, such as closets and attics, crevices of upholstered furniture, and areas of carpeting covered by furniture. They are most likely to infest stored, undisturbed materials, so a lot of damage can occur before they are discovered.

clothes moth larvae, pupae and adult on wool adult clothes moth sweater with clothes moth damage
Clothes moth larvae, pupae and adult on wool. Larvae are creamy white up to 1/2 inch long. Adults are golden colored moths, and may be uniform in color or have indistinct dark specks on the wings. They have reddish golden hairs on top of the head, and are about 1/2 inch long. Damage is usually to stored articles and may consist of irregular surface feeding or holes eaten through the fabric.

Click on images to view full-size

 

Identification and Control Information (each will open in a new window)

 

More Information (each will open in a new window)

 

[Photos, left to right: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org; unknown; University of Georgia Archive, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org]

 
It is the policy of the State of Maine to minimize reliance on pesticides. The Maine Department of Agriculture and the Maine IPM Council encourage everyone to practice integrated pest management and to use pesticides only as a last resort. The mention of pesticides in the fact sheets linked to these pages does not imply an endorsement of any product. Be sure that any product used is currently registered and follow all label directions.