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Moths can be found all over the United States, and although they do not pose a health risk, their larvae can cause severe damage to materials, textiles, and stored products. 

Once inside your home or business, moths look for food in the form of natural fibers, including carpets, clothes, fabrics, fur, and even leather. Their caterpillars eat protein (keratin) found in natural materials like wool, cotton, and silk. They can even infest stored food products like grains, cereals, and flour.

When you need moth pest control, you can count on the technicians at Ehrlich to help protect your cherished personal belongings from these pests. 

moth larva

Signs of a moth infestation

Moths can be a nuisance for any homeowner. When these pests need food and shelter, they may infest your belongings, including clothes, upholstery, rugs, and curtains. If clothes moths have taken up residence inside your home, here are some signs to look out for:

  • Spotting adult moths or their larvae inside your home
  • Holes in clothing, linens, or other materials
  • Webbing or cocoons on fabrics and textiles
  • Holes or other damage in stored food product containers like grain, cereal, and flour (they can also be found in pet food and birdseed).
holes in clothes, moth damage

Moth control and treatments

As experts in moth pest control, our technicians are able to offer tailored solutions and preventative advice. Our treatments can remove moths and their eggs and larvae – even in delicate items. 

Our technicians will identify the moth species invading your home and provide custom solutions for your unique needs. Your Ehrlich technician will select a treatment method based on species, environment, number of stored products infested, type of structure, and more. 

We have a variety of moth control programs to quickly remove moths in your home or business. When dealing with stored product moths, our technicians may recommend non-chemical control methods such as temperature control, sanitation, or storage solutions. Fabric pests are commonly treated by non-chemical control methods and conventional materials such as liquid sprays and dust. For commercial accounts, fumigation or chemical treatments may be recommended. Once treatment is complete, under renewable plans, our technicians will continue to monitor the area to ensure the infestation is under control. 

Call Ehrlich now at 833-443-0355 to schedule a free inspection and start living pest-free*.

Types of moths

Moth control might not always look the same. If you need pest control for moths, here are some of the different species you may encounter:

Different types of moth species
moth holes

Brown House Moth

Identification

Brown with three-four dark spots. Adults measure 8-14mm long and larvae measure up to 20mm long.

Food Source

Natural materials including food, hair, carpet, and clothing.

Lifecycle

Normally one generation per year.

Habits

Larva may wander considerable distance prior to pupation. Generally regarded as a scavenger

moth holes

Common Clothes Moth

Identification

Straw-colored wings with no markings and a trailing edge that is fringed. Adults measure 6-8mm long and larvae measure up to 10mm long.

Food Source

Animal fibers such as wool, fur, silk, feather, leather, and felt

Lifecycle

Egg to adult is usually about 6 weeks. May reach 10 to 18 months if the food is poor or temperatures are cold.

Habits

Adult does not feed. Runs rather than flies, avoids the light.

moth holes

Case-Bearing Moth

Identification

Dark buff forewings with three faint spots that may appear as two. Adults measure 6-8mm long and larvae measure up to 10mm long.

Food Source

Carpet, furniture, fur, silk, and wool.

Lifecycle

Similar to the Common Clothes moth.

Habits

More rare than the common Clothes moth. Check imported goods such as hides or objects of animal origin.

moth holes

White-Shouldered Moth

Identification

White head with mottled wings. Adults measure 6-8mm long and larvae measure up to 12mm long. Larvae are cream colored with red-brown head and pupa are in a silk cocoon.

Food Source

Grain, bran, flour, cereal, wool, and animal-based fabrics.

Lifecycle

Normally one generation per year.

Habits

Often found in unheated outdoor buildings. Larvae scavenge on a wide range of foods.

DIY and natural moth deterrents

Prevention is key to keeping moths out of your home and protecting your belongings. Here’s how to help keep moths at bay: 

  • Keep screens on your doors and windows
  • Seal holes and cracks in your foundation
  • Regularly vacuum and dust to eliminate food sources 
  • Use airtight storage containers for clothes and other fabrics 
  • Wash all fabrics, linens, and other materials in the affected area 
  • Store food products like grains, flour, cereal, and pet food in sealed plastic or glass containers 
  • Keep your pantry clean and tidy, and remove expired products 
  • Use cedar chips or blocks, mothballs, and essential oils like lavender or peppermint to deter moths
jcehrlich technician

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Ehrlich’s moth control services

As experts in the habits of moth species, our technicians are able to offer tailored solutions and preventative advice.

We have a variety of control programs to quickly resolve moth infestations in your home or business.

Call Ehrlich now at 800-837-5520 to schedule an inspection of your home or business.

Frequently asked pest control questions

What attracts moths?

Moths are attracted to light. Once inside your home, they seek out food sources such as natural fibers, textiles, and stored products. 

What is the lifecycle of a moth?

The lifecycle of a moth has four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Once female moths lay their eggs, the moth then hatches into a larva, also known as a caterpillar. Their larva continues to develop, molting its skin several times as it grows. Once they reach maturity, the moth will create a cocoon to pupate in as it morphs into an adult moth, eventually emerging from the cocoon to begin a new lifecycle by laying eggs.

How much does a moth exterminator cost?

Fabric moth removal is covered under our PestFree365+ plan. Not only will you get effective moth control, but our technicians will also treat your home for over 36 common types of pests. We offer free home inspections to help you get started. To get a better-estimated cost for your individual needs, start your free quote here.

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*Treatments and Covered Pests defined in your Plan. Limitations apply. See Plan for details.