How to identify them

Clothes moths are small, plain buff-to-golden moths without the bold two-tone pattern of pantry moths. A key behavioral clue: unlike most moths, they avoid light and flee to dark, undisturbed places rather than circling lamps. You are more likely to find them scuttling in a closet than flying around a room. Casemaking clothes-moth larvae drag a little silk case with them as they feed.

Behavior and biology in South Florida

The larvae — not the adults — do the damage, feeding on animal-based natural fibers: wool, cashmere, mohair, silk, fur, feathers, and felt. They target stored and undisturbed items in closets, drawers, chests, and storage boxes, which is why rarely-worn coats, blankets, and heirlooms are the usual victims.

They leave irregular holes, silk webbing or cases, and grainy droppings the color of the fabric. Because clothes moths shun light and favor still, dark storage, infestations often go unnoticed until damage is done.

Signs of an infestation

• Irregular holes in wool, cashmere, silk, or fur items
• Silk webbing or small cases in closets, drawers, and storage boxes
• Small buff moths that hide rather than fly toward light
• Grainy droppings and shed larval skins among stored clothing

Why they are a problem

Clothes moths destroy exactly the items people most want to protect — wool coats, cashmere sweaters, silk, and heirloom textiles — and because they work in dark, seldom-opened storage, the damage is often extensive before they are found. They do not harm people or the home, but the loss of valuable clothing is significant.

How Bugsy’s treats clothes moths

Our technicians locate the infested items and harborage — closets, drawers, and storage where natural fibers sit undisturbed — treat those areas, and advise on cleaning, sealing, and storage of vulnerable garments. Because clothes moths thrive on undisturbed, soiled natural fibers, addressing storage habits is central to keeping them from returning.

Preventing clothes moths

• Clean wool, silk, and fur before storing — body oils and food stains attract larvae
• Store vulnerable garments sealed in airtight containers or garment bags
• Air out and disturb stored clothing periodically
• Vacuum closet floors, corners, and shelving regularly
• Inspect secondhand and heirloom textiles before storing them with others

At a glance

Fabric pestLight-shyDamages natural fibersAttacks stored clothing