Common Clothes Moth

Appearance

• The moth are 5-8mm long, with the larvae being 7-10mm.
• Wing cases are a shiny golden colour.
• The larvae are a cream colour with a distinctive brown/golden head.

Biology

• Approximately 50 eggs are laid before the female dies.
• Development to adult can take between 2 months and 2.5 years depending upon time of year and the availability of food.
• Larvae and adults both avoid bright light and are generally active during dusk and night time or under furniture where it is dark.

Habitat

• Found in dark places such as under and in gaps between furniture, in cracks around rooms and between floorboards.
• The main foodstuffs of the larvae are Keratin (contained in wool, hair, feathers and fur) with irregular holes found in clothing and carpets often being the first indication that an infestation has occured or is currently present.
• As with other species of beetle, bird, rodent and insect nests are often potential ‘homes’.

Treatment

• Short and long term monitoring/insecticide treatment can be required in order to prevent continuous infestation from this pest.
• Single and multiple visits are required depending upon the extent of infestation.
• Keritin natural fibres are a key food source requirement during the larval stage.