Pest Guide for Moths
Types of Moths
Closely related to butterflies, moths can be found all over the world. They can range in size from smaller than a pencil eraser to bigger than a songbird. In fact, the Atlas moth, of Southeast Asia, is one of the largest moths in the world and has a wingspan of around one foot. Learn more about these insects and their habits:
Characteristics
Just like butterflies, there are many different species of moths that can be found in the U.S. A few of the biggest differences between moths and butterflies are the fact that their antennae are fuzzy and when they perch, their wings lay flat. In addition, moths are usually active at night and rest during the day. Moths come in many different shapes and sizes and can be found in a wide variety of colors, from the gray and brown patterns to common white to beautiful oranges, pinks, greens, and more.
Habits
Moths are unique in that not all of them eat. Some moth species eat nectar while others don’t eat at all. Instead, they live short lives with a sole purpose of reproducing. And when it comes to the moths that eat clothing, there’s only one species – the clothes moth. On the contrary, however, moths are an important food source for many different animals including reptiles, amphibians, insects, arachnids, and more.
Because moths are nocturnal, you’re more likely to see them at night than during the day. When you do see them, they’ll likely be circling or attempting to fly into a light source, which makes them easy to find. This is said to happen because of their relationship with the light from the moon, which they use for travel.
Infestations
Moth infestations are rare and if you do have one, it’s likely a clothes moth, Indian meal moth, or pantry moth infestation. Clothes moth larvae feed on wool, silk, felt, fur, feathers, and hair and unlike most moths that are attracted to light, these moths avoid light and are commonly found in dark locations. Pantry moths feed on grain-based products like cereal, pasta, flour; Indian meal moths feed on these same foods in addition to bread, dried fruits, nuts, and birdseed.
If you discover you have a moth infestation in your home or office, don’t hesitate to call our pest control experts. We’ll take care of it for you.
