Clothes Moth

Tineola bisselliella (Webbing Clothes Moth)

Size6–8 mm

Active Season:Active year-round indoors with no true seasonal variation. Adult emergence peaks in late spring/early summer in heated homes. More noticeable when seasonal clothing is retrieved from storage in spring and fall. Population growth continuous in climate-controlled environments.

A small golden-buff moth whose larvae feed on natural animal fibers including wool, fur, silk, and feathers. Adults are 6-8mm with a distinctive aversion to light. Larvae create silken feeding tubes and cause irregular holes in garments.

Anatomy

Anatomical Details

Identification

ColourUniform golden-buff to pale yellow; wings and body covered in small scales; larvae are cream-colored with brown head capsule

Size6–8 mm

Distinguishing Features

Narrow wings with long fringe of hairs along edges, folded tent-like over body when at rest
Small tuft of reddish-gold hair on the head
Avoid light - run to dark corners when disturbed (unlike pantry moths)
Weak fluttering flight close to surfaces
Adults do not feed - vestigial mouthparts
Larvae create silken feeding tubes and webbing
Prefer soiled fabrics with body oils, sweat, or food stains

Biology

Lifecycle

Complete metamorphosis: egg (4-10 days) → larva (35 days to 2+ years depending on temperature and food) → pupa (10-50 days) → adult (2-4 weeks, non-feeding). Larval stage causes all damage. Development slows dramatically in cool conditions. Females lay 40-50 eggs directly on fabric.

Diet

Larvae feed exclusively on keratin-based animal fibers: wool, fur, silk, feathers, felt, leather, and animal hair. Cannot digest synthetic fibers but may chew through them to reach natural fibers. Strongly prefer soiled fabrics containing sweat, body oils, food stains, or urine - clean fabrics are less attractive. Will also feed on shed pet hair and taxidermy specimens.

Nesting

Strictly indoor pests in Canada - require stable temperatures and protection from elements. Larvae hide in dark, undisturbed areas: closets, drawers, under furniture, in carpet edges, and storage boxes. Prefer quiet locations with minimal air movement. Create silken feeding tubes attached to fabric surface. Adults hide in folds of fabric during day.

Signs of Infestation

Irregular holes in garments

Small, irregular holes in wool sweaters, scarves, suits, and blankets. Damage often appears in hidden areas: underarms, collars, cuffs, hemlines, and folds. Unlike carpet beetles, holes are smaller and more scattered.

Silken tubes and webbing

Cream-colored silken feeding tubes (cases) attached to fabric surfaces. May also see loose silken webbing in infested areas. Larvae remain inside these protective tubes while feeding.

Adult moths near closets

Small golden-buff moths (6-8mm) running or making weak flights near closets, drawers, or storage areas. More active at dusk. Avoid light - run to dark corners when disturbed.

Larval cases and shed skins

Small cream-colored larval cases (cocoons) in corners of closets, under furniture, or attached to fabric. Papery shed larval skins found in storage areas.

Fine dust or fecal pellets

Fine dust consisting of fabric fibers, fecal pellets, and larval waste in bottoms of drawers, closets, or on shelves below hanging garments.

Damage to specific items

Preferential damage to soiled items: dress shirts with collar stains, wool suits with body oil residue, vintage clothing, fur collars, felt hats, and upholstered furniture. Clean items often untouched.

Where They Nest

Closets with wool clothing and seasonal storage
Bedroom dresser drawers with sweaters and scarves
Storage boxes containing blankets and linens
Under furniture where pet hair accumulates
Upholstered furniture made with natural fibers
Edges and corners of wool carpets and rugs
Attic or basement storage areas with vintage clothing

Common Nesting Sites

Nesting Site Details

Distribution in Canada

Found across Canada as an indoor pest, particularly in urban areas with storage of wool and natural fiber clothing. Cosmopolitan worldwide distribution - follows human habitation and textile storage. Cannot survive Canadian winters outdoors. More common in regions with older homes and extensive seasonal clothing storage.

Regional Prevalence

High

Moderate

Low

Rare/Absent

Active Season

Active year-round indoors with no true seasonal variation. Adult emergence peaks in late spring/early summer in heated homes. More noticeable when seasonal clothing is retrieved from storage in spring and fall. Population growth continuous in climate-controlled environments.

Prevention

Clean all garments before storage - dry cleaning or washing removes body oils and sweat that attract moths
Store woolens in airtight containers or sealed garment bags - moths cannot penetrate sealed storage
Use cedar blocks or sachets in closets (mild deterrent, not foolproof)
Regularly inspect and air out stored clothing - sunlight and air movement disturb larvae
Vacuum closets, drawers, and carpet edges frequently - removes eggs, larvae, and food debris
Freeze suspected infested items for 72 hours at -18°C to kill all life stages
Install door sweeps and seal cracks to prevent moth entry from neighboring units
Reduce clutter in closets and storage areas to eliminate undisturbed hiding spots

Professional Treatment

Professional treatment involves thorough inspection of all potential infestation sites, targeted applications to cracks and crevices in closets and storage areas, and ongoing monitoring with pheromone traps. Heat treatment may be used for severe infestations in localized areas. Emphasis on sanitation, proper storage practices, and elimination of food sources for long-term control.

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Scientific Classification