There are two species of clothes moths that commonly infest homes: the casemaking clothes moth (Tinea pellionella), and the webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella). It is the caterpillar (larval stage) of these insects that does the actual feeding. Clothes moths feed on all kinds of dry materials of animal origin including woolens, mohair, hair, bristles, fur and feathers and dead insects. Holes are chewed in woolens or threadbare spots caused where fibers are chewed in carpeting. Household items that may be attacked include clothing, blankets, comforters, rugs, carpets, drapes, pillows, hair mattresses, brushes, upholstery, furs, piano felts or other natural or synthetic fabrics mixed with wool. Silken feeding tubes or hard protective cases are often found on infested fabrics. Clothes moths are often found in dark places. They dislike sunlight and are not attracted to artificial light. They may be seen fluttering about in darkened corners or at the edge of a circle of light. When the items on which they are resting are moved, they either run quickly for cover or fly to a darker area to conceal themselves. Infestations often start when woolens are improperly stored in dark places and left undisturbed for long periods of time. For information on other insects that can cause damage to clothing or carpets, see the Insect Diagnostic Lab Factsheet “Beetles Infesting Woolens.”

The adult moths of these two species look very much alike. They are yellowish-tan to buff-colored with a wingspread of about 1/2 inch. The larvae are white with brown to black heads, and are also about 1/2 inch long. The casemaking clothes moth larvae spin a protective case out of silk and material fibers, often blending in with the fabric so damage is not noticed until a bare spot or hole is produced. The webbing clothes moth spins silk over the fibers it is feeding on but does not form a case around itself until ready to enter the pupa (resting stage).

Clothes moths undergo complete metamorphosis – egg, larva, pupa and adult. Female clothes moths deposit soft white eggs in clothing and household furnishings. A single female may deposit from 100 to 300 eggs. Eggs hatch in one to two weeks during the summer or in heated rooms, while in unheated rooms hatching may take longer. After leaving the eggs, the tiny larvae begin feeding and soon begin to spin some silk; either for a case or as webbing over the fabric. The amount of time it takes for a larva to mature varies greatly, from about 40 to over 200 days. The pupa stage is formed in the larval feeding area and it usually takes between 1 and 4 weeks to hatch. Adults emerge from the pupae mate and begin the cycle again.

The Indian meal moth is one of the more common moths infesting stored grains and grain products. Others include the Mediterranean flour moth and the meal moth.
The larval stage causes the injury. Larvae feed on flour and meal products, dried fruits, nuts, bird food, and dried pet foods. As the larva feeds it spins a web, leaving behind a silken thread wherever it crawls. Small particles of food often adhere loosely to the thread, making it conspicuous.

Many times an infestation is noticed when moths are seen flying around the home in the evening. They are attracted to lights and often appear in front of the television screen.

The Indian meal moth has a wingspan of about 3/4 inch (18-20mm). The color of the outer two-thirds of the wings is bronze to reddish brown, while the part of the wings closer to the body is grayish white.

The larvae (caterpillars) are about 1/2 inch (12-13mm) long when mature. They are a dirty white color, sometimes exhibiting pink or green hues.

The pupa (resting stage) is in a loose silken cocoon spun by the larva, and is a light brown color.

A female Indian meal moth can lay from 100 to 300 eggs during her lifetime. Eggs are laid singly or in groups on the food materials. Within a few days the tiny whitish caterpillars emerge. These larvae feed for a few weeks, and when they are mature they often crawl up the walls to where wall and ceiling meet, or crawl to the top of the cupboard, to spin the silken cocoon in which they pupate and from which the adult moth emerges. Mating occurs and the life cycle repeats itself. In warm weather the cycle may take only 6 to 8 weeks.