Common Clothes Moth

Natural Habitat

Dark, undisturbed indoor locations such as closets, baseboards, and storage chests containing natural fibers.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on animal-based fibers including wool, fur, silk, feathers, felt, and leather; adults do not eat.

Behavior Patterns

Photophobic (avoid light); the larvae spin silken tunnels or patches to feed under, while adults are weak fliers that prefer to crawl.

Risks & Benefits

Significant household pest that can cause extensive damage to clothing, upholstery, and rugs; no direct health risk to humans but can be a major economic nuisance.

Identified on: 2/3/2026