Clothes Moth Control in Your Home

It depends on the moth. Pantry moths and Indian Meal moths feed on rice, grains, flour, pasta, cereals, dried fruits, spices, seeds, nuts, and other dried food. Pantry moth adults don’t feed but the larvae do eat fabric.

A pest control professional can provide moth treatments and fumigation is the most effective way to completely eradicate them. If you decide to use moth-deterring balls, flakes, or crystals, be sure to carefully read and follow label directions as these are pesticides. Some of the products used in those types of DIY solutions can be hazardous if used incorrectly. Never scatter them in open closets or other areas where children or pets can reach them.

Many adult moths don’t have mouths and are incapable of biting anything, much less you. Even for those that do feed, the adults have siphoning mouthparts to drink nectar rather than biting. They also don’t sting. However, many species of immature caterpillars can have a stinging defense.

Most adult moths live for short periods, from a few days to a few weeks depending on the species, although moths that hibernate through the winter live for months. Often, the longer life stage of moths is the immature caterpillars that do most of the damage.

Most urban and structural pest moths are not dangerous to you; but there are several where the caterpillars can have a defensive stinging mechanism. Mostly they are more dangerous to your fabric or dry goods!

Urban and structural moths often come from used furniture, clothing, and rolls of carpet which are common hiding places for moth larvae or eggs. Large bags of grain, flour, animal feed, and birdseed can also contain moth larvae or eggs. Several species are naturally found outdoors and can also enter homes through cracks, crevices, open doors, or open windows.