Moths: finding the source of the larvae
The little moth eats nothing: its larvae are what damage wool and food stores.
Guide 09
Tineola bisselliella, Plodia interpunctella
Key points
The clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) is a small golden moth, 6 to 7 mm long, whose larvae feed on wool, cashmere, silk and fur. The Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella), with two-tone wings, infests flour, cereals and dried fruit. Either way, the task is to find the source of larvae, treat it and clean up the storage.
Clothes moths shun light and fly little: you are more likely to see one scuttling over fabric or slipping out of a wardrobe as you open it. The larvae feed on keratin and prefer animal fibres, especially when stained with sweat or food.
Pantry moths happily fly around the kitchen in the evening. Their larvae spin threads in packets, then climb into the corners of cupboards to pupate. A single infested packet can contaminate a whole cupboard.
Spotting signs of moths
- 1Irregular holes in woollens, especially under collars and in folds.
- 2Small whitish cases and fine droppings on fabrics.
- 3Silky threads and clumps in flour, cereals or dried fruit.
- 4Little moths resting on the kitchen ceiling or inside cupboards.
Nuisance level
An indicative guide from our technicians, from 1 (moderate) to 5 (high).
- Health
- 1/5
- Damage
- 4/5
- Breeding
- 3/5
Why act
- Damaged clothes, rugs and valuable textiles.
- Packets of food lost to larvae.
- Moths returning from larvae hidden in cupboard cracks.
- Stock losses for shops (clothing, groceries).
Our treatment, in four stages
- 01
Locate
Locate: species identification, search for the larval source, pheromone traps to measure activity.
- 02
Treat
Treat: targeted treatment of cupboards, wardrobes and rugs with an approved insecticide, plus advice on treating textiles by heat or cold.
- 03
Check
Check: pheromone traps read and a follow-up visit as set out in the protocol.
- 04
Prevent
Prevent: cracks and corners of cupboards sealed, storage in covers or airtight boxes, photo report and active vigilance.
Good everyday habits
What you can do to lower the risk of a new infestation.
- Wash woollens before storing them, then zip them into a garment bag.
- Air and take out rarely worn clothes from time to time.
- Decant flour, rice and cereals into jars with tight lids.
- Keep an eye on opened packets and clean cupboard corners.
Your questions
Are lavender and cedar enough?
They may deter the moths a little, but do nothing to eggs or larvae already present. With an infestation, the source has to be found and treated.
How can I save an affected garment?
Wash it at the highest temperature on the label, or put it in a sealed bag in the freezer for a few days, then brush it before putting it away.
Are pheromone traps enough?
They mainly attract males and are used to measure the infestation. They are no substitute for treating the larvae.
Moths in your home or your business?
Flat, house, restaurant, shop or office: price including VAT shown before you book, 2-hour window, same-day photo report and advice to lower the risk of a return.