You may or may not be aware of the types of moths that may be present in your home. You can identify the difference and easily come up with a means of eliminating them. Clothes moths, based on different perceptions, can be confused with the Indian meal moth. Still, both have distinct differences, especially in terms of the location where they are found and the material they consume.
CLOTHES MOTHS (Tinea Pellionella, Tineola Bisselliella)
- They feed on fabrics
- Have a length of about 5-7mm, meaning they are very tiny
- They have wings that pose a fringe of golden hair; their head has reddish-gold/coppery hairs, and also their color is yellowish/gold-grey.
- They get attracted to light especially photoluminescence green light
- They reside in close proximity of fabric precisely in dark areas
- You might find proof of fabrics getting damaged, especially the woolen fabric.
- They reside in darker areas, and you can usually find them in cardboards, drawers, or back closet.
PANTRY MOTHS (Plodia Interpunctella, Ephestia Cautella, Ephestia Elutella, Ephestia Kuehniella)
- They consume food (such as flour, oats, nuts, rice, nuts and any other dry food)
- Their length is about 10-16mm
- The Indian meal moth has a steadyand resilient flight
- They will be located around or in foods and pantry.
- They move away from their source of food leading to confusion with the clothes moths, therefore you can find them anywhere in the house
