Are There Different Types of Moths in My House?

When it comes to a moth infestation in your home, there are likely three types of moths that are potential suspects: the pantry moth and clothes moths. While there are hundreds of different species and varieties of moths, these are the most common types. Here is an overview of the three different kinds of moths we see and remove regularly:

1. Brown House Moth – The brown moth is the most common. They have golden wings resembling bronze and black flecks, and adults measure 8mm to 18mm in length. These were from Asia originally; they are now considered a pest throughout the United States due to their feeding habits. Brown moths feed on certain foods, such as barley, oatmeal, rice, flour, and potatoes. Strangely enough, they feed on carpets, clothing, and items containing certain upholstery types, such as wool.
2. Pantry Moths – Each year, it’s estimated that these insects infest thousands upon thousands of households within the United States. Pantry moths prefer stored food such as cereals, pasta, spices, and other dry goods. The most troublesome variety is the Indian moth meal, which can chew through containers to access food. Most found during summer, they can remain active year-round if they have access to warmth.
3. Clothes Moths – These are the most problematic variety we see. They are smaller than an inch, and you usually won’t realize you have an infestation until your carpets, bedding, clothing, and other similar items display signs of damage. It’s the offspring that damage the fabric. They like to find under or near baseboards, underneath carpeting, rugs, or even in furniture.

Signs of Moths Inside Your Home

Although each specified moth looks and acts differently, they share similar signs that you have a potential infestation. When most homeowners think of a moth infestation, they may think of the fluttering around lights and under lampshades. Still, most infestations begin in dark, cozy spaces like wardrobes, cupboards, attics, and under carpets. As one of Wisconsin’s leading pest control companies, we’ve dealt with plenty of moth infestations and have identified telltale signs of an infestation. Here are some common signs to look for:

• Silky tunnels found on well clothing and fabrics
• Irregular holes in clothing
• Fur that shed excessively
• Tiny tubes stick to fabric
• Crusty deposits on rugs, drapes, and clothing
• Small holes in plastic food bags
• Eggs or larvae inside food packages
• Web-like material inside pantry corners

How to Get Rid of Moths

Treating a moth infestation can be a long road, especially if you aren’t thorough in your approach. Moths aren’t as indestructible as other insects, but they are persistent. The most common way to get a moth infestation is to vary in infected items. Infected food and clothing that have larvae or eggs hiding can introduce a moth problem when you least expect it. Here are some tips on how to tackle a moth infestation:

• Deep clean your wardrobe – Moths love dark and warm places, so we recommend taking out all your clothes and thoroughly cleaning the area while ensuring you get the corners. Be sure to clean the inside with a damp, detergent-soaked cloth to kill off any remaining larvae or eggs.
• Lower your heat – Lowering the temperature in your home will reduce the likely hood that moths will stay within your home.
• Vacuum and deep clean your home – Keeping your home clean is the surest way to avoid infestation.
• Keep cedar in your home – Moths hate cedar, and it’s very effective at killing off eggs and larvae.
• Call our moth exterminators – If you’ve tried some of these tips and are dealing with an infestation, don’t hesitate to call us. We have the technologies, tools, and techniques needed to remove a moth infestation quickly and effectively.