Is this a clothing moth (or a type that eats fabrics)? - Ask Extension
I had clothing moths in my house a number of years ago. I froze everything I could think of in my porch for nearly a month (January cold) and have a n...
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Is this a clothing moth (or a type that eats fabrics)? #863231
Asked April 03, 2024, 12:33 PM EDT
I had clothing moths in my house a number of years ago. I froze everything I could think of in my porch for nearly a month (January cold) and have a number of clothing moth traps around my house that I replace about every 9 months. I have had no signs of moth in the last few years. My concern: in the last couple weeks, I've seen a couple moths like the attached photo. It looks similar to a clothing-type moth. What type is it, please? An any suggestions on control, if they are a moth that will damage items in my home. Thank you!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Good Morning Liz,
Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.
We are volunteers who answer horticultural yard and garden questions. I also answer tree and shrub questions.
I am not sure what a "clothing moth" is but I used my insect app on my phone on your photos. The app indicates it is an Indianmeal moth, a species of Pyralid moths.
Here is a link to Penn State that discusses these moths: https://extension.psu.edu/indian-meal-moth#:~:text=The%20adults%20fly%20at%20night,groups%20of%20twelve%20to%20thirty.
It appears their diet is more grain than clothing.
Hope this helps.
Good Luck!
Thank you very much. I can live with various insects in my house, but can't bear clothing moths again. They are VERY destructive!
You are welcome!
