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 WEBBING CLOTHES MOTH
Common Name: Webbing clothes moth
Scientific name: Tineola bisselliella
Introduction. This species is the most commonly encountered clothes moth in the United States. Its common name comes from the larval-produce silk webbing, which characteristically covers over the area upon which the larva is feeding. This pest is found throughout the United States and the world.
 Recognition. Webbing clothes moths measure about 1/2 inch from wing tip to wing tip; both wings are long and narrow. The wings and body are uniformly a buff/golden color except for a tuft of reddish scales on top of the head. The hind wing margins are fringed with long hairs.
The mature larva is up to 1/2 inch long. The larva are mainly white and have a brownish head.
Similar Groups. (1) The Casemaking clothes moth (Tinea pellionella) have the front wings with 3 dark spots and the head lacks a reddish tuff. (2) The Indianmeal moth (Plodia interpunctella) have the front wings with the inner 1/3 buff colored and the outer 2/3 coppery-bronze. The moths have a wingspan of 5/8 to 3/4 inch.
Damage and Signs of Infestation. The larvae leave silken tubes in the hidden portions of clothes, such as under collards, or silken mats or patches on material. Both the tubes and mats have fibers and feces incorporated into them. Surface grazing of fibers and/or holes in material are present. In fur, the hairs are clipped at their base causing loose fur and exposed hide.
 Biology. On the day they emerge from their cocoon, female moths can mate and lay eggs. Each female lays an average of 40-50 eggs (range 30 to 221), either singly or in small groups over a 2 to 3 week period, and glues them to material. The eggs hatch within 4 to 10 days in summer but may require up to 3 weeks in winter. Most larvae spin a silk tube or tunnel into which are incorporated fibers and feces or they merely spin a flat silken mat. They then feed within the confines of the tube or mat. Some larvae will crawl about unprotected. There are 5 or more larval molts, requiring from 30 days to 29 months, depending on availability of food, relative humidity, and temperature. The pupal case or cocoon is silken with fibers and frass incorporated into it, and is about 1/8 to 3/8 inch long. The pupal stage lasts about 8-10 days in summer but may require up to 44 days in winter. Developmental time (egg to adult) varies from a typical 50 to 90 days to between 35 days and 4 years. Females die after all their eggs are laid, usually in about 16 days, whereas males live an average of about 28 days.
Habits. For all practical purposes, webbing clothes moth larvae do not attack materials of vegetable origin. They attack synthetic fibers only when they are interwoven with natural animal fiber material or are soiled. They feed on keratin-containing materials such as wool, hair, fur, etc. They have been found infesting beef meal, fish meal, pemmican, casein, and milk products in addition to furs, woolens, etc. Outdoors, clothes moths have been found in the nests of birds and insects.
The larvae prefer to feed in hidden places such as under collars and on carpeting from the back/jute/underneath side. In these situations they typically feed through their silken tunnel. When the larvae feed in more exposed situations, they usually spin a silken mat or patch and feed from beneath it. However, under heavy infestation situations, larvae may crawl about exposed, such as under a heavily infested sofa. Larvae do much better in areas of high humidity.
The adults do not feed. They shun light, not being attracted to lights as are most moth species. Females are poor fliers but are fast on their legs and run when disturbed. Males may fly up to 100 yards but seldom do so. When disturbed, they quickly seek a hidden place such as in fabric folds.
Cultural Control & Preventative Measures. Garments and accessories comprised of wool, fur and feathers should be dry cleaned after each use and stored in airtight garment storage bags or boxes. Refrigerated storage is effective as well. Upholstered furniture, blankets, carpets and rugs comprised of wool should be professionally cleaned and treated with an insecticidal protectant (e.g., borate or permethrin ingredient) where available. Pet hair and fur should be vacuumed weekly from floors and furniture.
Professional Control. The key to control is proper identification, a thorough inspection, good sanitation, and pesticide application when required. A Rottler technician will inspect for sources of infestation throughout the premises. All infested items will be identified for the customer to have professionally cleaned and, where available, treated with a protectant. The technician may perform spot treatments within closets and other infested rooms using an aerosol or liquid insecticide.
Locations
Serving the St. Louis Metropolitan area since 1956, including
Arnold, Ballwin, Chesterfield, Crestwood, Creve Coeur, Des Peres,
Fenton, Florissant, Kirkwood, Maryland Heights, Overland, St.
Charles, Webster Groves, Wentzville and surrounding areas.
In Illinois: Belleville, Collinsville, Edwardsville, Columbia,
Madison, Waterloo, O’Fallon, Granite City, Alton, St. Clair, Monroe
and surrounding areas.
Columbia & Jefferson City, MO and surrounding areas. |
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