| So... What's a Clothes Moth? The adult clothes moth is about 3/8" in length and has gold or shiny beige colored wings. The larvae are shiny, cream-colored and are about 1/2" in length. The eggs of the clothes moth are tiny and ivory or cream colored. The clothes moth is only destructive during the larval stage. Clothing, upholstery, curtains and other furnishings may be ruined by the holes created when the larvae feed. In fact, just about anything made of natural fibers is potentially susceptible to damage by clothes moth larvae. Adult moths or "millers" do not cause any destruction. Reproduction Patterns of Clothes Moths Within just three weeks after emerging from pupating, adult female moths deposit their eggs on soiled or unlaundered clothes so the hatching larvae will have nourishment immediately. The female fastens the eggs to the material with a glue-like substance that is hard to remove. It is at this point that the female and the male moth die. After the larve emerge from the eggs, they may build a tunnel-like structure from which they reach out to feed on the soiled material. After feeding for two months or more, they will spin a cocoon to pupate. After pupating for about 2-3 weeks, the clothing moth emerges as an adult ready to mate and the cycle continues. The number of generations vary with the climate and environment, but it may be continual under ideal conditions. Clothes Moth's Habitat Clothing moths prefer moist areas since they do not consume water. They receive moisture from the clothing they eat. Dirty clothes offer the moth moisture in the form of human sweat or stains that are on the clothes. In addition, moths can manufacture a protein from the clothing fibers into nourishment. Clothing moths are therefore usually found in old clothing and blankets in attics or basements. They may be found under older natural fiber rugs where they can hide while they feast on the rug. Using a product such as the Safer® Brand Clothes Moth Alert is the number one way to determine if you have a Moth problem and will trap the male moths, thus breaking the breeding cycle. Safer®Brand brings you a variety of effective insect control products that are gentler on the environment! Most of them proudly display the OMRI Listed® organic seal and comply for use in organic gardening! 
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