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Moth Facts & Information

Protect your home or business from moths by learning techniques for identification and control.

Moth illustration
Order Lepidoptera

IDENTIFY

Types of Moths

What do moths look like?

Moths vary dramatically in appearance and size depending on the species. Some are massive and others tiny. Moths typically have two pairs of wings covered in scales, a coiled proboscis, and large compound eyes. Certain species of moths are brilliant with metallic colors while other are drab in browns or grey. Most indoor infesting moths are smaller than 2 cm wingspan and often are shades of grey or brown to reddish brown.

Almost Moths

Almond Moth

Ephestia cautella

Angoumois Grain Moths

Angoumois Grain Moth

Sitrotroga cerealella

Buck Moths

Buck Moth

Hemileuca maia

Cactus Moths

Cactus Moth

Cactoblastis Cactorum

Casemaking Clothes Moths

Casemaking Clothes Moth

Tinea pellionella

Spongy Moth Facts and Information

Spongy Moth

Lymantria dispar

Indian Meal Moths

Indian Meal Moth

Plodia interpunctella

Light Brown Apple Moths

Light Brown Apple Moth

Epiphyas postvittana

Mediterranean Flour Moths

Mediterranean Flour Moth

Ephestia kuehniella

Webbing Clothes Moths

Webbing Clothes Moth

How to Identify Bagworms | Get Rid of Bagworm Moths

Bagworm

Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis

Armyworms

Armyworm

Pseudaletia unipuncta

Cankerworms

Cankerworm

Alsophila pometaria & Paleacrita vernata

Fall Webworms

Fall Webworm

Hyphantria cunea

Forest Tent Caterpillars

Forest Tent Caterpillar

Malacosoma disstria

Eastern Tent Caterpillars

Eastern Tent Caterpillar

Malacosoma americanum

Cabbage Loopers

Cabbage Looper

Trichoplusia ni

Coneworms

Coneworm

Family Pyralidae

Hemlock Woolly Adelgids

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Adelges tsugae

How To Identify & Get Rid of Miller Moths

Miller Moths

Acronicta leporine

Treatment

How do I get rid of moths?

What Orkin Does

Orkin Pros are trained to help manage moths and similar pests that invade homes. Since every yard or home is unique, your Orkin Pro will design a special moth treatment plan for your situation.

A moth treatment plan would include the following:

  • Inspection & Treatment Plan

  • Customer Education

  • Monitoring

  • Habitat Reduction & Non-Chemical Treatments

  • Insect Growth Regulators

  • Chemical Control

The use of common pesticides is not advised in treating a moth infestation. The most effective solution for indoor infesting moths is to identify the moth and the breeding materials. Once found, the breeding materials should be addressed according to the item.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Behavior, Diet & Habits

Understanding Moths

Behavior, Diet & Habits

Moth behavior, diet and habits are as varied as their appearance. They range from beautiful pollinators to sneaking blood feeders. Some moths are major agricultural pests, while the majority complete their life cycle with no significant direct impact on man. They often are the food source for many animals, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, arachnids and even some plants. Indoors, homeowners most likely encounter moths that are either feeding on stored pantry items or on fabrics.

Damage Caused by Moths

Although they are most famous for their ability to ruin wool clothing, webbing clothes moths are also attracted to a variety of other natural materials, including silk, hair, felt, fur and feathers. These moths tend to measure 2.5 to 5 cm in length and are buff colored.Webbing clothes moth larvae, not the adults, are responsible for destroying clothing. They prefer animal-based fabrics. Moths may consume sweaters, coats, blankets, carpets, decorative items, comforters, pillows and toys. They prefer not to feed on synthetic fibers, but will consume blended and stained fabrics.

Where do they hide?

They avoid light and are most commonly found in dark locations such as basements, attics and closets. Within these locations, moths can be found in the folds of fabrics or hiding in corners.

More Information

Moth Identification

Moth Infestations

Moth Life Cycle

Moth Prevention Tips

Moth Damage

Moth Larvae

Moth Vs. Butterfly

What is a Cocoon?

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