Moths - Casemaking & Webbing

Color:
Golden-buff with or without three small, dark spots

Size:
1/2 inch wing spread

Habits:
Eggs are laid on fabrics containing animal products such as wool, felt, feathers, furs, etc. The larvae food on the fabric. The case-making cloths moth larvae make small, white, silken cases in which they live. The cases a most commonly formed in seams of the fabric. The webbing clothes moth larvae simply make silken webbing over the areas in which they feed.  Cocoons are made on the fabric. The adults are weak fliers.

Habitat:
Any fabric containing animal products such as wool and furs. Infestation most often occurs on fabrics left undisturbed in dark storage areas.

Threat:
Can damage furs, wool rugs, wool clothing, felt hats and similar products

Prevention:
The newly hatched larvae need soiled fabric on which to feed. Dry cleaning susceptible items before storage helps prevent infestation. Furs should be stored at 40ºF or colder to prevent infestation. Moth balls or flakes can retard infestation if the vapors are confined in storage chests or other containers.