Original illustration by PestControlBasics.com. Use anatomical labels above to confirm your identification.
Original illustration by PestControlBasics.com. Use anatomical labels above to confirm your identification.
🔍 Identification
Adults: 2-3.5mm; oval; distinctive irregular pattern of white, brown, and yellow/orange scales on wing covers. Adults are often found on flowers outdoors (feeding on pollen) and near windows indoors (attracted to light — opposite behavior from clothes moths). Larvae: 4-5mm; brown; hairy with prominent tufts of longer hairs at the tail — called 'woolly bears.' NO SILK WEBBING (distinguishing from clothes moths).
🧬 Biology & Behavior
Adults enter primarily through open windows and on cut flowers. Females lay eggs on natural fiber materials, in accumulated lint, and in bird nests in attics. Larvae feed on wool, cashmere, silk, fur, leather, dried flowers, museum specimens, and dried protein. Multiple generations per year. Adults are attracted to light — finding them near windows and light sources is diagnostic.
⚠️ Damage & Health Risk
Irregular holes in natural fiber fabrics (no silk webbing — key distinction from clothes moths); museum collection damage; stored woolens and furs; damage to stuffed animals and taxidermy.
🔧 DIY Treatment
Inspect and launder all natural fiber items regularly. Freeze affected items (0°F, 72 hours). Permethrin spray to storage surfaces. Vacuum regularly, especially at carpet edges and under furniture. Check for bird nests in attic venting. UV blacklight reveals lint and debris accumulations where larvae concentrate.
👷 When to Call a Pro
Museum-grade collections use integrated pest management programs developed with conservators.