Signs of a Common Clothes Moth Infestation: Control Guide
If you have been finding holes in your clothes, unexplained stains on your carpets, or webbing around your windowsills, you may have a moth infestation. While there are many types of moths, the most common ones that invade homes are the carpet moth and the clothes moth. In this blog post, we will be discussing the signs of a carpet and clothes moth infestation, as well as how to control them using natural and easy methods.
What is a Carpet Moth/Common Clothes Moth?
The Carpet Moth/Common Clothes Moth (latin: Tineola bisselliella) is a small, winged insect that is often found in homes. The adult Carpet Moth/Common Clothes Moth is brown and has a wingspan of about ½ an inch. The larvae are white and have a darker head.
Carpet Moths/Common Clothes Moths are attracted to dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, drawers, and basements. They are often found near stored clothing or fabric items. Carpet Moths/Common Clothes Moths feed on natural fibers such as wool, fur, hair, and feathers.
Signs of a Carpet Moth/Common Clothes Moth Infestation
The most common sign of a Carpet Moth/Common Clothes Moth infestation is holes in clothing. The larvae are responsible for the damage as they feed on the fabric. These holes are typically about the size of a dime or smaller.
Other signs of a Carpet Moth/Common Clothes Moth infestation include webbing around windowsills and unexplained stains on carpets. This webbing is created by the larvae of the clothes moth, and it is typically made up of small pieces of fabric or lint. If you have found this webbing in your home, it is important to check your clothes for signs of damage.
How to Control Carpet Moths/Common Clothes Moths
If you have noticed any of these signs in your home, it is important to take action immediately. The best way to control a moth infestation is to use Red Cedar Oil. Red Cedar Oil is a natural insecticide that will kill the larvae of the carpet moth and the clothes moth. To use Swedish Red Cedar Oil, simply add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water and spray it around your home. This will help to keep the moths away and prevent them from damaging your carpets or clothes.
Carpet Moths/Common Clothes Moths are attracted to dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, drawers, and basements. They are often found near stored clothing or fabric items. Carpet Moths/Common Clothes Moths feed on natural fibers such as wool, fur, hair, and feathers.
How to use a moth trap to catch Carpet Moths/Common Clothes Moths
You can also use a moth trap to catch Carpet Moths/Common Clothes Moths. These traps are typically made of cardboard and contain a pheromone that attracts the moths. Moth traps can be placed in areas where you have seen signs of infestation or in areas where moths are likely to be found, such as closets or storage areas.
Common questions about Carpet Moths/Common Clothes Moths
What do Carpet Moths/Common Clothes Moths eat?
Carpet Moths/Common Clothes Moths feed on natural fibers such as wool, fur, hair, and feathers.
Are Carpet Moths/Common Clothes Moths dangerous?
No, Carpet Moths/Common Clothes Moths are not dangerous. However, they can cause damage to your clothes and carpets if they are not controlled.
Does cedar keep carpet moths away?
Yes, red cedar wood and oil is one of the most effective moth repellents known. In oil form you can spray the oil where you have an infestation and it will effectively keep the moths away.
Where do Carpet Moths/Common Clothes Moths come from?
Carpet Moths/Common Clothes Moths are often found in homes. They are attracted to dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, drawers, and basements.
What is the life cycle of a Carpet Moth/Common Clothes Moth?
The life cycle of a Carpet Moth/Common Clothes Moth consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The eggs are laid on clothing or fabric and hatch within a few days. The larvae then feed on the fabric for several weeks before spinning a cocoon and pupating. The adult Carpet Moths/Common Clothes Moths emerge from the cocoons a few weeks later and mate. The female Carpet Moth/Common Clothes Moth then lays eggs and the cycle begins again.
What is the best way to control Carpet Moths/Common Clothes Moths?
The best way to control a moth infestation is to use Red Cedar Oil. Red Cedar Oil is a natural insecticide that will kill the larvae of the carpet moth and the clothes moth.
If you have any further questions about Carpet Moths/Common Clothes Moths, or if you would like to learn more about how to control them, please contact us.
