Webbing Clothes Moths
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Tineidae
Scientific Name: Tineola bisselliella (Hummel)
The webbing clothes moth, as the common name implies, infests clothing and has webbing associated with its presence. This moth is found throughout the world, especially in indoor habitats. Its larvae feed primarily on articles that contain protein keratin, which is found in many types of fibers and materials of animal origin. Foraging larvae and egg-laying adult females are attracted to articles containing wool, furs or feathers. Holes resulting from the feeding activities of the larvae (caterpillars) may appear in infested clothing, carpets, blankets and upholstered furniture. Synthetic and cotton articles soiled with perspiration or food stains may also be infested. In addition to the presence of damaged fabrics, silken webbing spun by the larvae along with fecal material will be seen on infested materials.
Biology
The destructive larvae of this pest are generally found in proximity to where the adult female laid her eggs. The larvae hatch from oval, pearly-white eggs and develop to the pupal stage usually within one to 29 months after egg hatch, depending on environmental conditions and availability of food supply. The larval body is uniformly cream-colored and thinly coated with white hairs. The head capsule is shiny light-to-dark brown in color. As they forage, the larvae will construct feeding tunnels or mats of silk, incorporating various fibers and excrement. Prior to pupation, the full grown larva will spin a silken pupal case (approx. 8 mm long) with threads and excrement incorporated into the cocoon. The adult will usually emerge in one to four weeks, concluding its metamorphosis. The life cycle may vary from 50 days to four years, but normally is completed in 65 to 90 days.
Upon emerging, adults begin to search for mates. Generally, males will commence flight to search for females. Unlike most moth species, these clothes moths are not attracted to lights at night.
The body and wings of adult clothes moths are covered with golden scales and the hind margins of the wings are feathery in appearance. Another distinguishing characteristic is the presence of a tuft of reddish-brown hair on the top of the head. The wings lack any type of markings and do not taper to a point. Adults have a wing span of 11 mm (approx. ½ inch), or slightly less.
Control
Control procedures should match the severity of the infestation. Damaged articles should be carefully examined. Sanitation and limited spot and/or crack-and-crevice treatments are recommended. For example, if a wool sweater stored in a trunk is found to be the source of infestation, cleaning the sweater as well as other clothing stored in the trunk will eliminate eggs and small larvae. After the clothing has been removed, vacuum the inside of the trunk to remove any eggs, larvae, pupae, and especially lint on which the larvae can feed and continue to develop. Following these sanitation efforts, a thorough crack-and-crevice application to the trunk and surrounding areas will control any hidden stages of the clothes moth.
If the infested clothes are in a closet, then all clothing and articles must by dry cleaned or laundered. While the closet is empty, carefully apply a thorough crack-and-crevice treatment. If the infestation is wide-spread, and the adult moths cannot be physically removed by vacuuming, then space treatments with a non-residual may be necessary. Always consult labeling prior to the use of any insecticide.
A pest management program will be successful if the life cycle of the webbing clothes moth is disrupted. Measures to eliminate the non-feeding adult moths are just as vital to the control process as the elimination of the destructive feeding larvae.
(Courtesy of the National Pest Control Association.)