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Tineola
bisselliella
Characteristics –
Size: About 3/8-inch long.
Color: Cream, with a tuft of red hair on the top of the
head. The larvae are white.
Larvae will be found on fabrics among thin sheets of webbing that
they spin to shield themselves. They often leave strands of silk on
fabrics they infest.
Behavior –
Fabric pests such as clothes moths, although not particularly
dangerous, can sometimes cause irreparable damage to personal
belongings. These moths are able to digest animal hairs and,
therefore, feed on almost any item made of natural fibers,
particularly wool and cashmere.
Habitat – Clothes moths tend to stay confined
near clothing, which makes them easier to control.
Tips for Control – A Curtis Pest Control
professional can rid your home of these pests, but there are a few
steps you can take to protect your clothing until your fabric pest
problem can be controlled:
 | Do
not store boxes of clothes in the attic, garage or basement, if
possible.
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| If
clothing must be stored in boxes, thoroughly clean the boxes
before storage and seal all corners and openings with tape.
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| Prior
to storage, clean woolen and natural fiber clothing according to
the manufacturer's instructions.
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| In
closets, store natural fiber clothing items by covering them
with individual plastic covers.
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| Consider
storing clothing in large zippered plastic units.
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| Use
mothballs to help deter fabric pests, but be aware that they may
leave an odor that could require dry cleaning. |
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