FAQ: How Big Are Clothes Moths?

Clothes moths are small, 1/2-inch moths that are beige or buff-colored. They have narrow wings that are fringed with small hairs. They are often mistaken for grain moths infesting stored food items in kitchens and pantries. Unlike some other types of moths, clothes moths are seldom seen because they avoid light.

How big is a common clothes moth?

The webbing clothes moth is the most common fabric moth. Adults are only about 1/4 inch in length. They are golden colored with reddish golden hairs on top of the head. The moth has a wingspan of about 1/2 inch and the wings are fringed with a row of golden hairs.

How do I identify clothes moths?

Look for 1/2-inch long buff-colored moths with narrow wings that have hairs along the edges. These are adult clothes moths. The adults do not eat fabric, but their presence means that eggs will be laid that will produce fabric-eating larvae. Check for the clothes moth larvae if adult moths are present.

Are clothes moths big or small?

A number of species of moth will attack and damage textiles and animal specimens. But the common (or webbing) clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) is one of the most aggressive species and can be found across the world. These moths are small – only 5–8 mm long – and scuttle around, only flying when it’s warm.

Can you see clothes moths?

Moths don’t eat clothes; their larvae do. They hatch within a few weeks of being laid. “When they first hatch, they’re only a millimetre long and they burrow into your clothes, so you don’t see them. It’s not until they get bigger that you see the evidence,” says Pinniger.

Can you ever get rid of clothes moths?

To get rid of moths you’ll need to break their life cycle, and that means getting rid of any unhatched eggs, as well as larvae. You can also wrap things made from non-washable fabrics in plastic bags and then pop them in the freezer for 48 hours, as sub-zero temperatures kill moth larvae.

Can moths survive in vacuum bags?

Whilst plastic vacuum bags are great in the fight against moths, they can leak plastic fumes, which isn’t great for valuable vintage fabric and clothes.

How long does a clothes moth live?

The lifecycle lasts for about 65-90 days, with the female adult moths living for about 30 days and potentially laying up to 300 eggs.

How do you get rid of common clothes moths?

You may also consider using a dry cleaning service or a carpet steamer to do a deep clean of any rugs made of natural fibers. Air, heat, or freeze items you don’t dry clean or wash. A combination of sunlight and vigorously brushing the infested items can kill moth eggs and larvae.

How do I get rid of clothes moths in my house?

Solved! What to Do When You Have Moths in the Closet

1. Confirm the infestation.
2. Bag and freeze individual moth-eaten items.
3. De-bug the closet if you spot widespread wardrobe damage.
4. Run machine washable fabrics through a hot water cycle.
5. Dry clean non-machine washable fabrics.
6. Spray insecticide on oversized articles.

How do I know if I have carpet moths?

Identifying a Carpet Moth

1. The carpet moth is smaller than a common house moth; with a body about 5mm long and a wingspan of about 14-18mm.
2. Carpet moths are buff coloured, with forewings that usually have three distinct dots.
3. The carpet moth will rarely fly and are more likely to be seen hopping about at floor level.

What kills moths instantly?

SLA Cedar Scented Spray is used for quick, immediate protection. It kills on contact not only moths, carpet beetles and silverfish, but many other flying and crawling insects. SLA will not stain and leaves behind a fresh cedar scent.

How do you get rid of brown house moths?

8 ways to get rid of moths

1. Fill your home with cedar.
2. Combine dried, crushed, and powdered herbs.
3. Use a sticky trap.
4. Keep your floors, carpets, and moldings vacuumed and dusted.
5. Freeze any clothes or belongings that show signs of moths.
6. Wash clothes that contain larvae or eggs.
7. Use vinegar to help.

Does carpet cleaning get rid of moths?

Steam cleaning can kill carpet moths. In fact, it is one of the most effective, non-toxic ways to kill carpet moths. In order to kill carpet moths with a steam cleaner, apply steam up to 120 °F to upholstered furniture and carpets for more than 30 minutes.

How do clothes moths get in the house?

Moths can enter your home through open windows or doors. They can also be carried in on clothes and soft furnishings. Always be sure to shake out any clothes that are not packaged – like those from a charity shop or clothes swap or borrowed from a friend – before they enter your house.

Where do clothes moths lay eggs?

Clothes moths seek out dark, undisturbed areas to eat, mate and reproduce. That’s why they are often found in closets and other areas in a house that go relatively unused for long stretches, such as an attic. Eggs hatch in about 4 to 10 days in the summer and three or more weeks in the winter.