Clothes Moths in Wichita and Kansas City: Holes in Wool? Start Here

Pulled out a favorite wool sweater and found little holes? Clothes moths may be the reason. Here is how to check.

Quick Answers

• Adult clothes moths are tiny, about 1/4 inch long, and buff or gold-gray.

• They hide from light and rarely fly out in the open.

• The larvae do the damage. They eat wool, fur, silk and feathers.

• Adults do not eat. Seeing one is a sign that larvae may be nearby.

• A moth that flies around the kitchen in daylight is more likely a pantry moth.

What are the two main types?

The webbing clothes moth has a small tuft of reddish hair on its head. Its larvae spin silky tunnels. The casemaking clothes moth has three faint dark spots on each front wing. Its larvae live in a little silk case. Both larvae are whitish with a brown head and reach about 1/2 inch.

Where do clothes moths hide?

They like dark, quiet places. Check old clothing boxes, closets, furs, feather pillows, rugs, overstuffed furniture and lint along baseboards. Soiled clothes are the biggest draw.

How fast can they grow?

It depends on food and conditions. The life cycle can take as little as a month.

What can you do today?

1. Take clothes out of the closet each spring and fall. Brush the folds and air them in the sun for a few hours.

2. Dry clean wool items, or wash them with care for the fabric.

3. Vacuum the empty closet, along the walls and the floor.

4. Do not store soiled clothes.

5. Store clean items in containers that close tight.

6. Keep closet doors snug so adults cannot get in.

When should you call a pro?

Call if you keep finding holes after you clean and store things the right way. A pro can look at the closet, the rugs and the hidden spots, then tell you what is really going on.

Learn more: what to know about carpet beetles, pantry moths and our pest guide for Wichita and Kansas City.

Wichita: (316) 775-7867. Overland Park and Kansas City: (913) 222-2847.

Quick FAQ

Do clothes moth adults eat fabric? No. Adults do not feed. The larvae eat the fabric.

How can I tell a clothes moth from a pantry moth? Clothes moths are buff and hide from light. Pantry moths, like the Indian meal moth, fly in daylight and show up near food.

What fabrics do clothes moths damage? Wool, fur, silk and feathers.

Sources

• Purdue Extension, Household and Structural Insects (E-18)

• University of Missouri Extension, Household Pests (G7372)

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