What Do Moths Eat?
Did you know that there are over 160,000 species of moths in the world?
They’re sometimes confused for butterflies, and while they’re no doubt just as fascinating, they can be a homeowner’s nightmare if they happen to invade your space.
If you’ve found holes in your clothes or noticed an increase in these pests around your home, you’re not alone – and moths could be to blame.
But what do moths eat, and do they pose a threat to your home? In this post, we’ll answer both of these questions and so much more.
What Exactly Are Moths?
Moths are often overshadowed by their more colorful cousins, butterflies, but they play an equally significant role in our ecosystem. For one, they’re essential pollinators and serve as food for various animals.
However, when moths find their way into our homes, they can become a nuisance.
Understanding what moths eat is the first step in preventing them from causing damage, but one of the most important things to recognize is that moths don’t pose a physical threat to humans.
They don’t bite or sting, and as such, they’re also not venomous. The only threat moths pose is in their destructive eating habits – which we’ll get into below.
What Do Moths Eat?
So what exactly are moths using to fill their bellies? It varies, as different species of moths have different dietary preferences. The majority are harmless, feeding only on nectar, while a few species that are found indoors can cause significant damage to your belongings.
The moths you tend to see flying around outdoors aren’t typically the ones you see infesting clothes and pantries. For the latter, sources of food for moths include:
- Clothes – Fabric moths are notorious for feeding on natural fibers like wool, silk, and cotton. They cause holes in your favorite garments and can ruin expensive clothing.
- Pantry Items – Pantry moths, also known as Indian meal moths, feast on grains, cereals, nuts, and dried fruits. They can contaminate your food supply, making it unsafe to eat.
- Natural Fibers – Aside from clothes, moths can also feed on carpets, furniture, and upholstery made from natural fibers. They thrive in dark, undisturbed areas, making attics and basements prime locations for infestations.
In most cases, these infesting moths are brought indoors from something that’s already infested (like grains or clothing materials).
Moths go through four stages, each of which impacts your property and other belongings in different ways:
- Egg – Female moths lay eggs on suitable food sources.
- Larva – The larval stage is when moths do the most damage. They feed on the material where they hatched.
- Pupa – In this stage, larvae transform into adult moths.
- Adult – Adult moths primarily focus on reproduction and do not cause significant damage.
Recognizing Signs of Moth Infestation
If you want to protect your belongings from moths who might decide to take a nibble, you’ve got to get skilled at sleuthing out early signs of a moth infestation. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Damaged Fabrics: Holes in clothing, blankets, and upholstered furniture are a clear sign of fabric-eating moths. These pests prefer dark, undisturbed areas like closets and storage rooms.
- Webbing and Silk Cocoons: Look for webbing and silk cocoons in your pantry and around your home’s fabrics. These are indicators of moth larvae, which cause the most damage.
- Sightings of Adult Moths: While adult moths do not cause damage, seeing them in your home is a sign that you may have a more significant problem. If you see adult moths, it often means there are multiple generations, which leads to a more severe infestation.
How to Prevent and Control Moths
Prevention is the best way to protect your home from moths. Don’t just rely on mothballs, either.
While mothballs can be effective, they contain harmful chemicals and can pose health risks. Natural repellents and proper hygiene practices are safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Here are some effective strategies:
Regular Cleaning
Moths can infest any home, regardless of cleanliness. The majority of the time they are brought in on previously infesting items. They are attracted to natural fibers and food sources, not dirt or grime.
However, frequent cleaning can disrupt moths’ life cycles and remove potential food sources, as is the case with countless other pests. Vacuum your carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture regularly, paying special attention to dark, undisturbed areas where moths may lay eggs.
Proper Food Storage
Store your pantry items in airtight containers to prevent pantry moths from accessing your food. Regularly check your pantry for signs of infestation and dispose of any contaminated items in exterior trash receptacles.
Use Moth Repellents
There’s some anecdotal evidence that natural repellents like cedarwood, lavender, and cloves may help to deter moths. Place these items in your closets and storage areas to keep moths at bay.
Professional Pest Control
If you have a severe moth infestation, consider hiring a professional pest control service like our team here at Hawx Pest Control. We can provide targeted treatments to eliminate moths and prevent future infestations.
Homemade Moth Traps
Create homemade traps using sticky tape and attractants like pheromones. These traps can catch adult moths and perhaps reduce their population, but mainly to identify high population areas.
Freezing Infested Items
For fabric moths, freezing infested items can kill larvae and eggs. Place the affected items in a plastic bag and freeze them for at least 72 hours.
Vinegar Solutions
Wipe down shelves and storage areas with a vinegar solution to remove moth eggs and larvae. Vinegar can also repel adult moths.
Key Takeaways
House infesting moths can be an annoyance, but you don’t have to let them drive you crazy. By inspecting your home regularly for moths and understanding what moths eat, you can send these pests packing.
But don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Hawx Pest Control today to schedule an inspection and make sure your home is protected from moths and other pests. Come join our family of satisfied customers!
Together, we can keep your home safe and comfortable – and free from hungry moths.
