Moths may not be the most welcome guests in your home, but certain species are more likely to show up than others. These common moths can cause damage to clothing, carpets, and pantry items, making them a nuisance if left unchecked. Understanding which moths are common in homes can help you identify the problem and take action before an infestation gets out of hand.
Clothes Moths
One of the most common moths found in homes is the clothes moth. There are two main species that cause the most trouble: the webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the casemaking clothes moth (Tinea pellionella). Both species are small, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, and pale golden or tan in color, making them difficult to spot. Clothes moths prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, attics, or under furniture where they lay their eggs.
The real damage comes from the larvae, which feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, and even feathers. This feeding can leave behind holes in clothing, blankets, and rugs. The webbing clothes moth leaves behind silky threads as it moves across fabric, while the casemaking clothes moth creates a protective case made of fabric fibers to carry with it as it feeds. Regular inspections of your wardrobe and stored fabrics can help you catch an infestation early.
Pantry Moths
Another type of common moth found in homes is the pantry moth, also known as the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella). These moths infest dry food items such as grains, cereal, rice, flour, and pet food. Adult pantry moths are about 1/2 inch long and have a distinctive two-tone appearance, with a copper or bronze color on the outer half of their wings and a light cream color on the inner half.
Pantry moth infestations begin when eggs are laid on or near food sources. Once the larvae hatch, they feed on the stored goods, contaminating them with silk webbing, droppings, and skin casings. Finding small moths flying around the kitchen or tiny holes in food packaging are signs of a pantry moth infestation. To prevent pantry moths, it’s important to keep food in sealed containers and regularly check stored goods for signs of contamination.
Brown House Moths
The brown house moth (Hofmannophila pseudospretella) is another species that frequently shows up in homes. These moths are slightly larger than clothes moths, with adults measuring about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long. As their name suggests, brown house moths are brown with dark speckled wings. Like clothes moths, they feed on natural fibers, including wool, fur, and leather. However, they can also infest grains and cereals, causing damage to both fabrics and food.
Brown house moths prefer damp, dark environments, making basements, attics, and storage areas prime locations for infestation. The larvae can live for up to a year in these areas before pupating into adult moths. Controlling moisture levels and regularly inspecting storage areas can help prevent brown house moths from establishing themselves in your home.
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Myths and Facts About Moths in Homes
| Myth | Fact |
| Moths are only found in closets and wardrobes. | Moths can also infest food storage areas, damaging grains and dry goods. |
| Only adult moths cause damage to fabrics. | It’s the moth larvae, not the adults, that feed on natural fibers and cause damage. |
| Moths can’t infest sealed food containers. | Pantry moths can chew through thin packaging and infest food stored in unsealed containers. |
| Moths only appear in homes during the summer. | Moth infestations can occur year-round, especially in areas where they can find food or fabric to feed on. |
| Clothes moths are attracted to light. | Clothes moths actually avoid light and prefer to stay hidden in dark spaces like closets. |
