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Image by Mikkel Frimer-Rasmussen
Image by Krzysztof Niewolny

What Are Moths?

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Moths are winged insects belonging to the order Lepidoptera, the same group as butterflies. While many moth species are harmless or even beneficial as pollinators, others are considered pests because of the damage they cause to fabrics, stored food products, and crops. In homes and businesses, the most common nuisance species are clothes moths and pantry moths.

Are Moths Harmful?

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  • Clothes Damage: Clothes moth larvae feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, and fur, leaving holes in garments, upholstery, and carpets.

  • Food Contamination: Pantry moths infest stored food products like flour, grains, nuts, dried fruit, and pet food.

  • Crop Damage: Certain species damage crops, orchards, and trees.

  • Allergens: Moth scales or debris can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

Moth Control

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Moth infestations are best handled by targeting larvae and preventing re-infestation.

  • Inspection: Identify the type of moth (clothes moth vs. pantry moth).

  • Sanitation: Discard infested food, vacuum carpets, and wash or dry-clean clothing.

  • Exclusion: Store susceptible food in airtight containers; use garment bags for clothing.

  • Professional Treatments: Targeted treatments with residual insecticides and pheromone traps can break breeding cycles.

Image by Malcolm Baskerville

Types of Moths in NJ, PA & DE

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  • Clothes Moths: Small, buff-colored moths that infest fabrics and clothing.

  • Pantry Moths (Indianmeal Moth): Tan moths with reddish-brown wings that infest stored food.

  • Gypsy Moths (Spongy Moth): Outdoor pest species that damage trees and shrubs.

Moths Appearance

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  • Size: ½ inch (clothes moths) to 1 inch (pantry moths). Larger outdoor species can be several inches wide.

  • Color: Ranges from dull tan to brown in pest species, with patterned wings.

  • Body: Slender, fuzzy bodies with scaly wings.

  • Larvae: Worm-like caterpillars that cause most of the damage indoors.

Moths Habitat

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  • Clothes Moths: Dark closets, attics, carpets, upholstered furniture.

  • Pantry Moths: Kitchens, pantries, and food storage areas.

  • Outdoors: Fields, orchards, and woodlands (non-pest species).

Moths Diet

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  • Larvae: Feed on natural fibers (clothes moths) or dry stored foods (pantry moths).

  • Adults: Some species feed on nectar, while others do not eat at all.

Moths Life Cycle

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  • Moths undergo complete metamorphosis:

  • Eggs: Laid on fabrics, food products, or plants.

  • Larvae (Caterpillars): Feed heavily, causing damage to clothing or food.

  • Pupa (Cocoon): Transform into adults inside silk cocoons.

  • Adults: Emerge, mate, and lay eggs, continuing the cycle.

  • Depending on species, life cycles can be completed in as little as 4–6 weeks.

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