Webbing Clothes Moth

Natural Habitat

Often found indoors in closets, wardrobes, and darker corners of homes; prefers warm, humid environments near food sources (natural fibers).

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers such as wool, fur, cashmere, feathers, and silk. They may also consume cotton or linen if it is heavily soiled with food or sweat.

Behavior Patterns

Adult moths avoid light and prefer dark areas, running rather than flying when disturbed. Their primary goal is reproduction. The destructive phase is the larval stage, where they graze on fibers, creating silken tubes or mats (webbing) over their food source.

Risks & Benefits

Considered a significant household pest. They pose no direct physical harm to humans (no biting or stinging), but the larvae can cause substantial economic damage by ruining clothing, carpets, tapestries, and upholstered furniture.

Identified on: 2/17/2026