Common Clothes Moth Pest Control

An insect found predominantly indoors in temperate climates. Often associated with textiles, woven fibre, fur and feather products. Not generally linked with birds nests. The common clothes moth typically seeks a dark, sheltered environment.

Tinneola bisselliella follow a complete metamorphosis life cycle. Eggs are laid within natural fibre substrate and proceed through several (usually 5) larval instars to pupae.

Adult females are not inclined to move a great deal. Males may fly on occasion, although the main method of locomotion for both sexes is running or "Scuttling".

Particular care should be used with the selection of any insecticides used in the treatment of this pest, particularly in view of the textiles it infests. Monitoring is recommended.

Dichlorvos (DDVP) where appropriate can be used to good effect.

This species has decreased in terms of the economic threat it poses to the textile trade, possibly due to the increasing use of synthetic fibre. Other pests such as Anthrenus spp and Attagenus spp have increased in significance.