Case-Bearing Clothes Moths

Identifying a Clothes Moth

Life Cycle of a Clothes Moth

The female will lay around 40-50 eggs over the course of 4-7 days after mating, which will then hatch into the most destructive phase of the moth’s life: the larvae stage. The larvae of clothes moths feeds on everything from clothes to other household goods made from textiles. They are usually between 1cm to 1.5cm long but this can depend on the availability of food. The moth larvae drink by absorbing moisture from the atmosphere, so humid conditions are more favourable for them.

The clothes moth larvae can stay in this stage for as long as 3 months until conditions become favourable for them to begin the next stage – pupation into adult moths. The moths spin a cocoon to metamorphose into their adult form which can take as long as 19 days or as little on 9 depending on the conditions. This process leaves debris which looks similar to rice which can be the first noticeable sign of an infestation. The adult moth only has one purpose: reproduction. Once it has left the cocoon it will mate, lay its eggs then die within a period of 4-6 days.  

Checking for a clothes moth infestation

Finding the 3 stages of the life cycle requires vigilance as clothes moths are small and favour dark conditions. Often you will notice damage before actually seeing any adult moths. It’s the larvae that causes this damage, through feeding on natural fibers in clothing and carpets. Commonly, clothes moths lay their eggs in dark places, so pay attention to corners of wardrobes, drawers, skirting boards and architraves. One simple way to identify your infestation is to look for discarded cases, there are few household pests that leave cases behind, so if you find these then it’s quite likely you have case-bearing clothes moths. Case-bearing clothes moths infestations can originate from bird’s nests, especially in unused chimneys, so when trying to identify the source of the infestation it’s useful to check any unused chimney shoots or attics. 

Treatment and prevention of a clothes moth problem

Treating an infestation of clothes moths can be relatively simple. Domestic treatments include cypermethrin based sprays, which are lethal to moths and other insects. Pest Expert Formula 'C' Clothes Moth Killer Spray is a fantastic product to treat the inside of wardrobes and drawers as well as applying to the edges of the room to protect carpets from damage - its residue is effective against moths, eggs and larvae for up to 12 weeks. Fumigating with Pest Expert Formula 'P' Foggers or Super Fumers will also help eradicate any adult clothes moths in the room. 

Once an initial insecticidal treatment has been carried out, Demi-Diamond Pheromone Clothes Moth Traps can be used to monitor moth activity amongst the Tineola species and indicate whether it is necessary to do a follow up treatment. To protect clothing in wardrobes and drawers it is also recommended to use Moth Killer Cassettes or Moth Killer Strips, which kill all life cycle stages for up to 6-months.

After the infestation has been eradicated, good housekeeping, e.g. thorough vacuuming can help to prevent the infestation re-occurring. There are other ‘home remedies’ which can be helpful, e.g. washing clothes at very high temperatures (if appropriate) or freezing any infested clothes or fabrics.

   Clothes Moth Killer Kits

   Our Clothes Moth Killer Kits contain everything needed to eradicate a clothes moth infestation in the home and wardrobe. The professional grade insecticides supplied by market leaders Pest Expert and are HSE-approved,  them to be the most effective clothes moth killers available in the amateur market. Every single clothes moth kit has been designed with customers in mind, meaning application is simple and problem-         free. They will be supplied with a step-by-step professional advice sheet




Follow these simple steps to achieve complete Clothes Moth control: