Tineola bisselliella or the webbing clothes moth is widespread in Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. Although the decline in its populations due to the increasing production of synthetic fibers, this species is still considered a home pest, able to destroy clothes, carpets and upholstery. Like other cloth moths, Tineola bisselliella is often found in dark, humid corners of the house. Adults are often golden or yellow and have narrow hairy wings.
Also called the casemaking clothes moth, Tinea pellionella is native to Europe but has been introduced to North America and Australia. Adults have a wingspan of about 0.5 inch and do not feed on cloth. In addition to eating wool, caterpillars can also feed on fur and feathers, when in the wild. In the Northern hemisphere, adults appear from June to October.
Although Trichophaga tapetzella is often called carpet moth, its larvae feeds on a variety of textile materials, including wool. This species is less common than the Tinea and Tineola species but can also cause damage to clothes. Like other cloth moths, Trichophaga tapetzella can lay up to 150 minuscule eggs between a sweater's fibers. After five days, the eggs hatch and small whitish caterpillars appear. When about 0.5 inch long, the caterpillars build a cocoon, where they complete their metamorphosis.
To avoid infestations of cloth moths keep your sweaters clean. Eggs generally do not survive dry cleaning or laundering. make sure your sweaters are not stored in a humid place, as this environment can attract cloth moths. Exposing your sweater to direct sunlight can also kill the eggs. Get rid of old sweaters that you don't use anymore and put cedar balls in your wardrobe, as they can work as a natural deterrent.