Moths are a common household pest that can cause damage to clothing, carpets, and stored food products. There are many different types of moths that can be found in your home, each with their own unique behaviors and preferences.
In this article, we will explore five of the most common types of moths found in homes, including the Mediterranean Pantry Moth, Brown House Moth, Indian Meal Moth, Common Clothes Moth, and Webbing Clothes Moth. We will also provide identification and removal tips to help you prevent and eliminate moth infestations in your home.
You are reading: 5 Types Of Moths In Your House: Identification And Removal Tips
5 Types Of Moths In Your House
Mediterranean Pantry Moth
The Mediterranean Pantry Moth, also known as the Mediterranean Flour Moth or Ephestia Kuehniella, is a common household pest that can be found throughout the world, especially in countries with temperate climates.
This moth is a common pest of cereal grains, especially flour, and is frequently found in warm places with stored grain products, such as flour mills and bakeries, where it can breed year-round. The caterpillars of the Mediterranean Pantry Moth spin silk that clogs machinery, making it a particular problem for flour mills.
Brown House Moth
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The Brown House Moth (Hofmannophila pseudospretella) is a common household pest that can be found throughout the world, especially in countries with temperate climates. These moths are considered pests and leave behind silk webs and excrement, which can be a nuisance in homes.
Identification:
– Adult Brown House Moths are about 8-14mm long and have a 15-26mm wide wingspan.
– The wings are usually shades of brown mottled with darker spots on the wings and body.
– The wings often have spots, are tattered at the edges, and can be bronze or brownish in color as well.
– The larvae are creamy white, and their heads are brownish.
– They are not able to fly very well, so they flutter instead.
– They are attracted to light, which is the reason you might see them fluttering about at night near light sources.
Removal:
– Getting rid of damaged clothing and food will help halt the destruction.
– Regular dusting and vacuuming is the best way to ensure Brown House Moths don’t settle in.
– Use a pesticide, especially if the infestation is severe.
– Remove any possible source of infestation.
– Spray the underfelt and the carpet backing with an insecticide surface spray.
– Upholstery can be sprayed with moth-proofer or it can be fumigated by a professional.
Indian Meal Moth
The Indian Meal Moth (Plodia interpunctella) is a common household pest that feeds principally on stored food products. These small moths, with a wingspan of 10-15 mm, are quite distinctive in appearance, with purplish-brown forewings and greyish-white hindwings.
The larvae, or caterpillars, feed on a wide variety of dried food products but are most frequently found on cereals, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
Identification:
– Adult Indian Meal Moths are about 8-10mm long and have a wingspan of 16-20mm.
– The wings are usually shades of brown with a coppery luster on the outer half of the forewings.
– The larvae are creamy white with a brown head and can grow up to 12mm long.
– The fully grown larvae wander away from the foodstuff to spin white silken cocoons within which the pupae are formed.
– The adult moths are quite small (wingspan about 18mm) and have purplish-red forewings with distinctive pale yellowish or brownish bases.
Removal:
– Remove and destroy all infested foods (look for webbing and small grubs).
– Clean shelves and cupboards thoroughly, paying particular attention to any cracks and crevices, which may conceal larvae and pupae.
– Store all vulnerable foods in sealed containers.
– Severe infestations may require treatment with insecticides but this must be carried out by a qualified professional.
Common Clothes Moth
The Common Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella), also known as the Webbing Clothes Moth, is a species of fungus moth that is a common household pest. The larvae of this moth are considered a serious pest, as they can derive nourishment from clothing – in particular wool, but many other natural fibers – and also, like most related species, from stored foods, such as grains.
Identification:
– Adult Common Clothes Moths are about 6-8mm long and have a wingspan of 9-16mm.
– The wings are usually pale golden-brown with reddish hairs on the head.
– The larvae are creamy white with a brown head and can grow up to 10mm long.
– They spin a silken tube around themselves, which they carry with them as they feed.
– They are attracted to light, which is the reason you might see them fluttering about at night near light sources.
Removal:
– Brushing vigorously in bright light can dislodge eggs and larvae, which may drop to the ground.
– Clothing moth traps – Usually consisting of adhesive-lined cardboard enclosures baited with artificial pheromones, this measure can help monitor the current infestation and prevent males from mating with females. Only males are drawn to the traps.
– Dry cleaning – This kills moths on existing clothing and helps remove moisture from clothes.
– Remove and destroy all infested clothing.
– Store all vulnerable clothing in sealed containers.
– Severe infestations may require treatment with insecticides but this must be carried out by a qualified professional.
Webbing Clothes Moth
The Webbing Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella) is a common household pest that can cause damage to clothing and other natural fibers. In this section, we will discuss identification and removal tips to help you prevent and eliminate Webbing Clothes Moth infestations in your home.
Identification:
– Adult Webbing Clothes Moths are about 6-8mm long and have a wingspan of 9-16mm.
– The wings are usually pale golden-brown with reddish hairs on the head.
– The larvae are creamy white with a brown head and can grow up to 10mm long.
– They spin a silken tube around themselves, which they carry with them as they feed.
– They are attracted to light, which is the reason you might see them fluttering about at night near light sources.
Removal:
– Remove and destroy all infested clothing and fabrics.
– Store all vulnerable clothing and fabrics in sealed containers.
– Regular cleaning and vacuuming of carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics can help prevent infestations.
– Use pheromone traps to monitor and capture adult moths.
– Severe infestations may require treatment with insecticides but this must be carried out by a qualified professional.
FAQS
1. What are the most common types of moths found in homes?
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The most common types of moths found in homes are the Mediterranean Pantry Moth, Brown House Moth, Indian Meal Moth, Common Clothes Moth, and Webbing Clothes Moth.
2. How can I identify the type of moth in my home?
You can identify the type of moth in your home by examining its physical characteristics, such as its size, color, and wing pattern. You can also look for signs of infestation, such as webbing, excrement, or damage to clothing or food products.
3. How can I prevent moth infestations in my home?
To prevent moth infestations in your home, keep your pantry area tidy and all your snacks sealed tightly, regularly dust and vacuum your home, store vulnerable clothing and fabrics in sealed containers, and use pheromone traps to monitor and capture adult moths.
4. How can I get rid of moths in my home?
To get rid of moths in your home, remove and destroy all infested clothing and fabrics, clean shelves and cupboards thoroughly, use a pesticide, and store all vulnerable clothing and fabrics in sealed containers. Severe infestations may require treatment with insecticides, but this must be carried out by a qualified professional.
5. Are moths harmful to humans?
While moths are not harmful to humans, their larvae can cause damage to clothing, carpets, and stored food products.
6. How can I tell if I have a moth infestation in my home?
You can tell if you have a moth infestation in your home by looking for signs of infestation, such as webbing, excrement, or damage to clothing or food products. You may also see adult moths fluttering about at night near light sources.
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