Moth Pest Control

The common Clothes Moth (Tineola Bisselliella)

Moth Facts

  • Moths are only destructive at the larvae stage.
  • Adult moths do not feed. They mate, lay eggs and die.
  • Moth larvae feed on feathers, fur, wool, hair, link, leather, paper and dust. They can also eat linen, cotton, synthetic fibres and silk.
  • They particular like dirty fabrics (e.g. sweat, urine, beverage stains, hair oil etc.)
  • The larvae are yellowish white in colour with a brown head, measuring 1cm in length when fully grown.
  • Clothing moths and their larvae prefer dark or dimly lit areas

Moth Biology

Moth eggs hatch into larvae which begin to feed. Once full, they "pupate" and transform into adult moths. Adult moths do not need to eat. Males and females mate and the female lays her eggs. Once this is done, both sexes die.

The eggs attach with a cement like substance that is difficult to remove. A female may lay several hundred eggs in her life. In ideal conditions, a larvae will spin a cacoon after two months of feeding. But, if food is scarce, it may be two years before it is able to transform.