Most moths are harmless, and many are even beneficial to the environment. They don’t bite, sting, or spread diseases and, for example, plant pollinators like the hummingbird moth play a vital role in the health of specific plant species. However, not all moths are so innocent. Some can devastate your food supplies, while other —like clothes moths—can infest your fabrics. If left unchecked, clothes moths can cause thousands of dollars in damage to clothing, upholstery, and other materials throughout your home. Let’s dive into how to stop them before it’s too late.

Do Moths Eat Clothes?

Do all moths eat clothes? No. But do some moths? Absolutely. When it comes to closet-dwelling pests, the main culprits are the Webbing Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the Case-Weaving Clothes Moth (Tinea pellionella). These tiny invaders are the most common offenders responsible for the damage you see on your clothing and other fabrics.

  • Webbing Clothes Moths are the larger of the two most common clothing moths, typically measuring 6-8mm in length. Recognizable by their golden or light brown color, they primarily feed on wool, cashmere, and silk. However, they’re not picky—these moths will also target blends of synthetic and natural fibers, making a wide range of fabrics vulnerable.

  • Case-Weaving Clothes Moths are darker in appearance, with brown coloring and distinctive dark spotson their wings. They have a preference for animal-based fibers like wool and feathers, making them a threat to a variety of household items. If you have feather-filled pillows, it’s especially important to check these areas for signs of infestation.