Webbing clothes moth (larva)

Natural Habitat

Dark, undisturbed areas in residential or commercial buildings, specifically closets, drawers, and storage bins containing animal-based fibers.

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-rich materials including wool, fur, silk, feathers, felt, and leather. They do not eat synthetic fabrics unless blended with natural fibers.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae create silken tunnels or mats while feeding. They avoid light (lucifugous) and spend their entire life cycle in dark corners. They pupate within a silken cocoon camouflaged with debris and fecal pellets.

Risks & Benefits

They are significant structural pests that cause permanent damage to clothing, upholstery, and carpets. They pose no direct health risk to humans but can be a major economic nuisance; they provide minor ecosystem benefits as recyclers of animal remains in nature.

Identified on: 1/9/2026