What Do Moths Eat?

Moths may seem harmless, but what a moth eats can cause serious damage to homes, clothes, and stored food. While adult moths of some species don’t eat, their larvae are active feeders. Plant-eating moths consume leaves, flowers, and roots, while clothes moths eat natural fabrics like wool, silk, and cotton. Carpet moths feed on wool and some synthetic fibers, and pantry moths infest grains, pasta, dried fruits, and baked goods. Understanding what a moth eats is key to preventing infestations. If you’re curious about how do moths eat or how do moths eat clothes, this guide will answer all your questions. Let’s explore the eating habits of moths, why they target certain materials, and how to identify their presence in your home.

What Are Moths?

Moths belong to the Lepidoptera family, which also includes butterflies. While most moths pose no threat to humans or property, specific species like the clothes moth and pantry moth can cause significant damage to fabrics and stored food.

Each moth species eats a different variety of food. Let’s take a look at each species and kind of food they eat:

Clothes Moths

Natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, and feathers.

Pantry Moths

Stored foods such as grains, nuts, and dried fruits.

Garden Moths

Plant leaves, nectar, pollen, and fruits.

Codling Moths

Fruits like apples, pears, and walnuts.

Gypsy Moths

Hardwood leaves including oak, birch, and aspen.

Adult Moths

Nectar from flowers (if they have functional mouthparts).

Why Do Moths Eat Clothes?

When it comes to why moths eat clothes, it’s actually the larvae, not the adult moths. Moth larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, and leather because these materials contain keratin, a protein essential for their growth and development. Unlike synthetic fabrics, natural fibers provide the nutrients larvae need to grow and transform into adult moths. Clothes that are dirty or have sweat, food stains, or body oils are even more appealing to moth larvae, as these residues provide additional nutrients. Clothes stored in dark, undisturbed places like closets, drawers, and attics are also at higher risk, as larvae prefer hidden, quiet areas to feed. Visit our Species, Control, and DIY Guide sections for additional resources on moths and ways to tackle a moth infestation.

Common Targets for Clothes Moths

Moth larvae target clothes rich in keratin, like wool sweaters, especially when stored for long periods. Silk scarves attract larvae due to their natural protein fibers, while fur coats are vulnerable as larvae feed on both the fur and lining. Though pure cotton is safe, cotton blends with wool or silk become targets due to the presence of keratin-rich fibers. Proper storage and protection are essential to prevent infestations. If you frequently spot clothes eaten by moths, it is advised to contact pest control professionals. Our team can provide a customized approach to protect your home effectively.

How to Identify a Moth Infestation?

Detecting a moth infestation early can save your belongings. Here’s what to look for:

Signs of a Moth Infestation

Small Holes in Clothing: Look for small, irregular holes in wool, silk, or other natural fabrics caused by larvae feeding.
Webbing or Cocoons: Spot webbing or tiny cocoons in dark, undisturbed areas like closets or drawers.
Larvae on Fabrics: Find tiny, worm-like larvae on clothing, upholstery, or carpets.
Tiny Moths Flying Around Food: Notice small moths hovering near your pantry or food storage areas.
Webbing in Food Containers: Discover silk-like webbing inside containers of grains, cereals, or nuts.
Larvae in Stored Foods: Identify larvae directly in grains, nuts, or cereals, often as clumps or clusters.

How Do Moths Eat?

Unlike many other insects, most adult moths do not have functional mouthparts to chew or bite. Instead, the responsibility for feeding lies with moth larvae. These larvae emerge from eggs laid by adult moths and become active feeders, consuming whatever is necessary to sustain their growth and prepare for the next stage of their life cycle. While adult moths focus on reproduction, larvae actively seek out food sources, causing damage to fabrics, carpets, and stored food items. These larvae have strong, sharp mouthparts that allow them to chew through various materials, especially natural fibers like wool, silk, and fur.

Methods to Prevent Moth Infestation

Store clothes in airtight containers.
Use cedar or lavender repellents.
Clean clothes before storage.
Vacuum storage areas regularly.
Check stored garments for moth activity.

Prevention techniques might not be enough if you’re already dealing with a moth infestation in your home. Our pest control professionals provide a customized solution to protect your home effectively

Myths and Facts

Here are a few myths and facts about Moths:

Myth	Fact
Moths eat clothes.	Only larvae eat clothes, not adult moths.
Moths eat all types of fabric.	Moth larvae prefer natural fibers like wool and silk.
Adult moths have mouthparts.	Most adult moths can’t eat as they lack functional mouthparts.
Moths live for months.	Adult moths live for days to weeks, but larvae live longer.
Moths eat synthetic fabrics.	Moth larvae do not feed on synthetic fibers alone.

Why Choose Our Moth Control Services?

With expertise in handling different species and effective control strategies, we ensure your home remains moth-free. Our professionals understand the best ways to target moth infestations and other pest problems, providing long-lasting relief without compromising safety. Need an estimate for pest control? Our team is standing by, ready to help. Get A Risk Free Estimate!