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Species of fabric pests
There are many different types of fabric pests that cause trouble for Americans throughout the U.S.
Frequently encountered species include:
- Case-making clothes moth
- Common or webbing clothes moth
- Varied carpet beetle
Rarely encountered species include:
- Brown house moth (Hofmannophila pseudospretella)
- Furniture carpet beetle (Anthrenus flavipes)
- Black carpet beetle (Attagenus unicolor)
Learn more below about the different types of fabric pests found in the U.S.
Case-making clothes moth
(Tineo pellionella)
Appearance
- Approx. 7-10 mm long.
- Forewings are silvery-buff with 3 dark spots.
Lifecycle
- Lifecycle completion usually takes 3-8 months.
- Larva up to 10 mm long when full grown.
- Creamy white with dark head.
- Usually protected in case made of silk and fibers of feeding material.
Habits
- Can do extensive damage to woolens, felts, upholstered furniture, clothes, etc.
Webbing clothes moth
(Tineo bisselliella)
Appearance
- Approx. 8-10 mm long.
- Golden buff in color.
- Wings are fringed with no markings.
- Wingspan about 12 mm.
Lifecycle
- Completes in 3- 8 months.
- Larva up to 12 mm long when full grown. Often found in a network of silken tubing.
Habits
- Can damage a variety of animal products, including wool, fur, skins, clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, and felt.
- Larvae may be difficult to spot as they hide in a network of silken tubing.
Varied carpet beetle
(Anthrenus verbasci)
Appearance
- Approx. 2-3 mm long.
- Mottled yellow, white and black.
- Oval shape similar to a ladybird.
Lifecycle
- Complete in 9-12 months.
- Larva up to 4-5 mm long when fully fed.
Habits
- Damages carpets, underfelt, woollens, fur, feathers.
- Can attack stored items such as cereals and meat products.
Black carpet beetle
(Attogenus unicolar)
Appearance
- Approx. 3-5 mm long.
- Shiny black to dark brown, with brownish legs.
Lifecycle
- Completes in 6-12 months.
- Larva up to 7 mm long when fully fed.
- Reddish brown covered with stiff bristles.
Habits
- Relatively widespread and destructive.
- Often associated with bird- nesting in roof cavities.
- Amongst others, leather, silk, carpet, and felt all at risk of infestation.
Furniture carpet beetle
(Anthrenus flavipes)
Appearance
- Approx. 2-3.5 mm long.
- Mottled yellow, white and black markings.
Lifecycle
- Completes lifecycle in 9-12 months.
- Dark color larva up to 5 mm long when fully fed.
- Wide at front, narrow towards the rear.
Habits
- Can do damage to upholstered furniture, carpets and some stored food products.
- Not as destructive as black and variegated carpet beetles.