Moths Most of our household clothes moths belong to the family Tineidae. The adult moths are generally small insects with a wingspan of 10-20 mm, more or less brownish in colour but often with a golden or silvery sheen. The head is rather roughly haired, with the proboscis (or feeding-tube) reduced or absent altogether. Hence, the adult insects do not feed and it is their larvae (or caterpillars) that damage our fabrics. Clothes moths in general are dark-loving insects and, although males and spent females sometimes come to light, they are more likely to scuttle for cover than to fly into the open when disturbed. The larvae are whitish in colour and feed mainly on dried plant and animal material. Clothes moth larvae are among the few insects able to digest the keratin of hairs and feathers. The natural haunts of these insects are the nests of birds and small mammals, from where it is only a short step to human households in which carpets, clothing, and general debris provide abundant food. Damage to articles may consist of irregular surface feeding (especially on carpets) or holes eaten completely through the fabric, usually in association with the 'tell-tale' signs of silk webbing produced by the caterpillars. Moths are more likely to attack fabrics soiled by perspiration and urine, or stained by spillage of beverages and food, than clean fabrics. Furthermore, only natural fabrics are at risk, especially those containing wool or cotton - the larvae will not attack synthetic fibres (nylon, polyester, acrylic, etc.), so that clothing and furnishings made from these materials are relatively safe from moth damage unless they are heavily soiled by sweat, urine, food stains, etc. Pipe-lagging, because it is left undisturbed and is often warm, is a particularly favourable site for these moths, although again modern man-made plastic and fibre-glass materials are safe from attack. Call Us Now! |
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