What do moths do to clothes. The casemaking clothes moth will sometimes use cotton fibers to cocoon themselves when nothing else is available. Pictures of what clothe moths look like. While moths are still attracted to clothing such as wool they are even more attracted to clothing stained with food. There are two species of clothes moths in north america.
The larvae of the clothes moth tineola bisselliella also known as the webbing clothes moth are the most common clothing destroyers. If you want to find out more then please read on. If you have particular items of clothing that you wear seasonally store them in airtight plastic bags or storage bins after washing and drying them. The casemaking clothes moth and the webbing clothes moth feed on animal fiber.
If you just want to get rid of clothes moths i recommend these products on amazon. The caterpillars of clothes moths eat clothes to extract moisture to nourish them through their life cycle. Where they can discreetly deposit their larvae onto the nearest suitable garment. How do moths eat clothes.
The two known fabric eating moth species belonging to the family tineidae bisselliella. Moths enjoy humid areas so keep your closet well ventilated and cool. For best results they need to be changed every 3 4 months. Fungi occur especially in moist areas and clothes moths seem to do particularly well in unwashed clothes that hold some moisture and might have some fungal growth mouldy bits.
Preventing moths infesting your clothing. Clothes moths do not have tongues and do not eat or drink so rely on this early nourishment. Moths are attracted to sweat body odors oils and hair of humans on clothing. The casemaking clothes moth and the webbing clothes moth.
Keep an eye on your sweaters and other wool clothes for signs of moths and be diligent. They particularly consume fur leather silk and feathers. Here are images of the two species of moths that chew clothes look like. Materials which fall into this are silks wools furs and feathers.
Place moth deterrent hangers or bags in with your clothes natural moth deterrents include lavender patchouli and eucalyptus. Some moths do feed on clothes. A female moth lays a mass of fertilized eggs that can range from 50 to 1000 eggs onto a piece of clothing or on host plants. If you wear anything made from natural fibers a clothes moth will target these first.
These clothing are usually those that the female moth thinks are suitable for her offspring. Both moths will feed upon cotton clothing if it is blended with an animal fiber.