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Tineola bisselliella
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Tineidae
Genus: Tineola
Species:
T. bisselliella
Binomial name
Tineola bisselliella
(Hummel, 1823)
Synonyms

Numerous, see text

Tineola bisselliella, known as the common clothes moth, webbing clothes moth, or simply clothing moth, is a species of fungus moth (family Tineidae, subfamily Tineinae). It is the type species of its genus Tineola and was first described by the Swedish entomologist Arvid David Hummel in 1823. It and a number of closely related species are together known as the clothes moths due to their role as pests in human households. The specific name is commonly misspelled biselliella – for example by G. A. W. Herrich-Schäffer, when he established Tineola in 1853.[1][2]

The larvae (caterpillars) of this moth are considered a serious pest, as they can derive nourishment from clothing – in particular wool, but many other natural fibres – and also, like most related species, from stored foods, such as grains.

Description

[edit]

Tineola bisselliella is a small moth of 6–7 mm (0.24–0.28 in) body length and 9–16 mm (0.35–0.63 in) wingspan[3] (most commonly 12–14 mm or 0.47–0.55 in).[4] The head is light ferruginous ochreous, sometimes brownish-tinged.The antennae are thread-like and about four-fifths the length of the forewings. Forewings pale yellowish-ochreous; base of costa fuscous. Hindwings ochreous grey-whitish.[5][6][7][8] (it is distinguished from similar species by its yellow-brown or ochreous colouring and red-orange tuft of hair on the head).[9] A .The larva is white, eventually almost transparent, with a brown head. It lives in a silk tube.

Life cycle

[edit]

Females lay eggs in clusters of between 30 and 200, which adhere to surfaces with a gelatin-like glue. These hatch between four and ten days later into near-microscopic white caterpillars which immediately begin to feed. They will also spin mats under which to feed without being readily noticed and from which they will partially emerge at night or under dark conditions to acquire food. Development to the next stage takes place through between five and 45 instars typically over between one month and two years until the pupal stage is reached. At this point, the caterpillars spin cocoons and spend another approximately 10–50 days developing into adults.[10]

After pupation is complete, the adult moths emerge and begin searching for mates. Females tend to move less than males, and both sexes prefer scuttling over surfaces to flying— some adults never fly at all. Adults can live for an additional 15–30 days, after which they die (otherwise death takes place shortly after mating for males and shortly after egg laying for females). Life cycle may be completed within one month under the most favorable conditions (75 °F (24 °C) and 70–75% relative humidity) but may take several years (lower temperatures and humidity will only slow development, larvae will still hatch and grow at temperatures as low as 10 °C (50 °F) and can survive up to 33 °C (91 °F)).[11][12]

Unlike the caterpillars, the adult moths do not feed: they acquire all of the nutrition and moisture they need while in the larval stage, and once they hatch from cocoons their only goal is to reproduce. Adult mouth parts are atrophied and cannot be used on fabric or clothing. All feeding damage is done by the caterpillar (larval) form.[13] The moths are seasonal in the wild, however heated buildings allow clothes moths to develop year-round. The overall life cycle from egg to egg typically takes 4–6 months, with two generations per year.[13]

Range and ecology

[edit]
Adult specimen in flight
Larval form
Macrophotography of a freshly laid, non-sticky egg measuring less than 1 mm
Two T. bisselliella mating

This moth's natural range is the western Palearctic, but it has been transported by human travelers to other localities. For example, it is nowadays found in Australia. The species' presence has not been recorded in France, Greece, Slovenia and Switzerland, though this probably reflects the lack of occurrence data rather than absence.[14]

This species is notorious for feeding on clothing and natural fibers; they have the ability to digest keratin protein in wool and silk. The moths prefer dirty fabric for oviposition and are particularly attracted to carpeting and clothing that contains human sweat or other organic liquids which have been spilled onto them; traces of dirt may provide essential nutrients for larval development. Larvae are attracted to these areas not only for the food but for traces of moisture; they do not require liquid water.[10]

The range of recorded foodstuffs includes linen, silk and wool fabrics as well as furs. They will eat synthetic and cotton fibers if they are blended with wool and may use some cotton to build their cocoon.[13] Furthermore, they have been found on shed feathers and hair, bran, semolina and flour (possibly preferring wheat flour), biscuits, casein, and insect specimens in museums. In one case, living T. bisselliella caterpillars were found in salt. They had probably accidentally wandered there, as even to such a polyphagous species as this one pure sodium chloride has no nutritional value and is in fact a strong desiccant, but this still attests to their robustness.[15] Unfavorable temperature and humidity can slow development, but will not always stop it.

Both adults and larvae prefer low light conditions. Whereas many other Tineidae are drawn to light, common clothes moths seem to prefer dim or dark areas. If larvae find themselves in a well-lit room, they will try to relocate under furniture or carpet edges. Handmade rugs are a favorite, because it is easy for the larvae to crawl underneath and do their damage from below. They will also crawl under moldings at the edges of rooms in search of darkened areas where fibrous debris has gathered and which consequently hold good food.[13][10] Larvae can also sometimes act as bookworms, chewing through paper (which provides them no nutrition) to reach book bindings or mold colonies for nourishment.[16][17]

Close-up photo showing the compound eyes of T. bisselliella

Pest control

[edit]

Airtight containers should be used to prevent re-infestation once eggs, larvae, and moths are killed by any of the following methods.[18] Control measures for T. bisselliella (and similar species) include the following:

  • Anoxic measures work by displacing oxygen with an inert gas, asphyxiating the insects
    • Carbon dioxide anoxia – Similar to cryofumigation, but using compressed dry carbon dioxide gas to exclude oxygen[19] Treatment for one week at 25 °C (77 °F) is recommended.[20]
    • Nitrogen anoxia – Similar to cryofumigation, but using dry nitrogen gas to exclude oxygen.[21] This process may cost more than carbon dioxide treatment.[22]
    • Argon anoxia – Similar to cryofumigation, but using dry argon gas to exclude oxygen. This process may cost more than carbon dioxide treatment.[22]
  • Physical measures
    • Brushing vigorously in bright light can dislodge eggs and larvae, which may drop to the ground.[13]
    • Clothing moth traps – Usually consisting of adhesive-lined cardboard enclosures baited with artificial pheromones, this measure can help monitor the current infestation and prevent males from mating with females.[13] Only males are drawn to the traps.
    • Dry cleaning – This kills moths on existing clothing and helps remove moisture from clothes.[13]
    • Freezing – Freezing the object for several days at temperatures below 18 °F (−8 °C) to kill larvae.[13][23] However, eggs survive freezing to -23 °C.[24]
    • Heat (120 °F or 49 °C for 30 minutes or more)[13] – these conditions may possibly be achieved by placing infested materials in an attic or sun-baked automobile in hot weather, or by washing clothes at or above this temperature. Specialist pest controllers can also provide various methods of heat treatment.
    • Vacuuming – Since the moths like to hide in carpeting and baseboards (skirting), this is an important step towards full eradication. After thorough vacuuming, the bag should immediately be disposed of outside.[13]
    • Burning – fire will destroy any live insects or larvae.
  • Mothproofing chemicals – Treatment of materials as a preventive measure before their use, as well as simply for storage, has a long history.[25] Arsenical compounds were effective in killing larvae but were considered too toxic for human contact even in the early twentieth century. Triphenyltin chloride was effective at 0.25%. After 1947, chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides of many varieties were found to be effective at the low concentrations practical for preservative treatment.[25] Examples are chlordane at 2% per weight of wool, toxaphene at 0.8%, pentachlorophenol or BHC at 0.5%, DDT at 0.2%, chlordecone and mirex at 0.06%, and dieldrin at 0.05%. Imidazole (a non-chlorinated aromatic heterocyclic) at 1% also gave satisfactory protection. A chemically related molecule, econazole nitrate, was found to exhibit strong anti-feeding properties against the common clothes moth.[26] Besides solvent-based applications, insecticidal dusts were commonly used to treat fabrics. In the 1950s EQ-53, a DDT emulsion, was recommended by the US Department of Agriculture to add to the final rinse of washable woolens, but even then cautions were given to the use of chlorinated hydrocarbons on items subject to commercial drycleaning. The 1985 United States EPA ban on most uses of Aldrin and Dieldrin exempted moth-proofing in a closed manufacturing process.[27] Triazole, thiazole, and imidazole derivatives have an anti-feeding effect on Tineola bisselliella larvae when wool is treated with these compounds. At 3% on mass of wool, both epoxiconazole and econazole nitrate protect wool fabric from Tineola bisselliella to the standard specified by Wools of New Zealand Test Method 25 (based on ISO 3998-1977(E).[28]
  • Mothballs – Used primarily as a preservative but also will kill existing larvae if the concentration is high enough. There are two types of mothball: early twentieth century ones were often based on naphthalene, while mid twentieth century ones often used paradichlorobenzene. Both chemical crystals sublimate into a gas, which is heavier than air and needs to reach a high concentration around the protected material to be effective. Disadvantages: Vapors are toxic and carcinogenic; mothballs are poisonous and should not be put where they can be eaten by children or pets. Naphthalene mothballs are also highly flammable.
  • Insecticides – Typically aerosol application works best[citation needed] if coverage is adequate. Treat once a month for the first three months and then once a quarter for the next year to ensure the infestation is under control.[citation needed]
    • Permethrin – A particular synthetic pyrethroid available as aerosol spray. Disadvantages: very toxic to cats and fish. As Tineola bisselliella is the major worldwide pest for woollen products, permethrin-based agents have been commercialised for the protection of wool from this and other keratinophagous species.[29]
    • Pyrethroids or pyrethrins (e.g. Cy-Kick, Deltamethrin, and d-Phenothrin which is used in 'Raid' fly spray[30] ) – Synthetic or natural pyrethrins available as aerosol spray or as dusts. Disadvantages: some are persistent in the ecosystem and toxic to fish, possibly resistance.
    • Pyriproxyfen (or other juvenile hormone analogs) – Stops the life cycle by preventing the caterpillars from pupating.
    • Bifenthrin - A synthetic pyrethroid commercialised as an alternative to permethrin, for the protection of woollen products from Tineola bisselliella and other species.[29]
    • Chlorfenapyr - A halogenated pyrrole insecticide commercialised as an alternative to synthetic pyrethroid insecticides in the protection of woollen products from Tineola bisselliella and other species.[29]
  • Biological measures
    • Camphor – Possibly safer alternative to mothballs.[31]
    • Eastern red cedar – Questionable value as long-term deterrent. While the volatile oil is able to kill small larvae, it is difficult to maintain sufficient concentrations of it around stored articles to be effective; cedar wood loses all moth-suppressant capabilities after a few years.[13] Distilled red cedar oil is commercially available to renew dried-out cedar wood. Airtight construction is more important than the type of wood used to make a container.[13]
    • Lavender – Either bags with dried lavender flowers are put into the wardrobe (they can be refreshed by putting a few drops of lavender oil on them), or a few drops of lavender oil are put on a piece of fabric which is then deposited in the wardrobe and periodically refreshed.[citation needed] Disadvantage: strong "perfumed" smell.
    • Trichogrammatid wasps (e.g. Trichogramma evanescens) – Tiny parasitoid wasps which place their own eggs inside those of the moths; their larvae eat the moth eggs. Trichogrammatid wasps are harmless to humans, measuring only about 2 millimetres (0.079 in). Once moth eggs are eaten, the wasps vanish within 2–4 weeks.

Synonyms

[edit]

The common clothes moth is such a widespread and frequently seen species that it has been described time and again under a variety of junior synonyms and other now-invalid scientific names:[32][33]

  • Tinea biselliella Staudinger, 1899 (lapsus)
  • Tinea bisselliella Hummel, 1823
  • Tinea crinella Sodoffsky, 1830
  • Tinea destructor Stephens, 1825
  • Tinea flavifrontella Thunberg, 1794 (non Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775: preoccupied)
  • Tinea lanariella Clemens, 1859
  • Tinea vestianella (sensu auct., non Linnaeus, 1758: preoccupied)
  • Tineola furciferella Zaguljaev, 1954

References

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Tineola bisselliella

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from Grokipedia
Tineola bisselliella, commonly known as the webbing , is a small lepidopteran in the family that serves as a widespread indoor pest, with its larvae causing damage to keratin-based materials like , , , and feathers by feeding on them and producing silken webbing.

Taxonomy and Morphology

Tineola bisselliella belongs to the order , superfamily Tineoidea, subfamily Tineinae, and genus Tineola. The adult moth measures approximately 6-7 mm in length with a of 12-20 mm, featuring pale golden or buff-colored wings that are silky and fringed with fine hairs, often with a faint dark spot near the wing tips; the head is covered in reddish-brown hairs, and the body is similarly pale yellowish-brown. Larvae are creamy-white caterpillars up to 10 mm long with a dark brown head and three pairs of legs, while eggs are tiny (0.5 mm), oval, and whitish. Adults are weak flyers that avoid light, preferring dark, undisturbed areas, and do not feed during their short lifespan of 2-4 weeks.

Life Cycle and Biology

The life cycle of T. bisselliella is holometabolous, consisting of , larval, pupal, and stages, with the full cycle typically taking 4-6 months under favorable warm conditions (75-80°F), though the larval stage can extend up to 2.5 years in cooler environments. Females lay 40-150 s singly or in clusters on suitable substrates over 1-3 weeks, with eggs in 4-10 days. The larval stage, responsible for all feeding damage, lasts 35 days to several months and involves 5-45 instars; larvae require animal-derived proteins and prefer materials soiled with , , or for essential vitamins, creating irregular silken tubes or webbing mats as shelters while grazing on the surface. Pupation occurs within silken cocoons, lasting 8-10 days in summer or longer in winter, producing 2-3 generations per year indoors. Notably, only larvae consume , targeting keratin-rich items, while adults focus solely on .

Distribution and Habitat

Originally native to western Eurasia, T. bisselliella has become cosmopolitan, distributed worldwide through human commerce, and is commonly found in homes, museums, warehouses, and storage facilities in temperate regions. It thrives in indoor habitats near infested fabrics, such as closets, attics, and under furniture, favoring humid, dark conditions with temperatures above 50°F, and can survive in diverse climates due to heated indoor environments.

Economic and Ecological Significance

As a major household and pest, T. bisselliella inflicts significant economic damage by ruining clothing, carpets, upholstery, , and collections, with larvae selectively feeding on high-protein areas and potentially causing irregular holes or surface erosion. Ecologically, it plays a minor role in of animal materials but is primarily viewed as a requiring in human settings; natural enemies include parasitic wasps like Tetrastichus tineivorus. Synonyms include Tinea bisselliella and Tinea destructor, reflecting historical taxonomic revisions.

Taxonomy and nomenclature

Classification

Tineola bisselliella belongs to the kingdom Animalia, phylum , class Insecta, order Lepidoptera, superfamily Tineoidea, family , subfamily Tineinae, genus , and species . This species is the type species of the genus Tineola, which was established by Gottlieb August Wilhelm Herrich-Schäffer in 1853 based on T. bisselliella. It was first described by Arvid David Hummel in 1823 under the name Tinea bisselliella in the publication Essais entomologiques. The family encompasses moths, many of whose relatives have larvae that feed primarily on , though T. bisselliella represents a specialized lineage adapted to consuming keratin-based materials such as and . No of T. bisselliella are currently recognized in taxonomic classifications.

Etymology and synonyms

The name Tineola is a New Latin formation derived from the tineola, the diminutive of tinea, which refers to a small worm or . The species Tineola bisselliella was originally described in 1823 by the Swedish entomologist Arvid David Hummel as Tinea bisselliella. The specific epithet bisselliella has an uncertain but is frequently misspelled as biselliella, including in the original establishment of the Tineola. In 1853, German entomologist Gottlieb August Wilhelm Herrich-Schäffer created the Tineola and designated T. bisselliella (under the misspelled form biselliella) as its , transferring the species from the Tinea. This reclassification reflected early 19th-century efforts to refine tineid based on morphological distinctions, though variable traits in specimens led to ongoing nomenclatural confusion into the late 1800s. Junior synonyms of T. bisselliella include the orthographic variant Tinea biselliella Hummel, 1823; Tinea lanariella , 1828; and Tineola destructor Walker, 1863. These synonyms arose primarily from initial misidentifications and orthographic inconsistencies in early descriptions, prior to standardized taxonomic revisions in the .

Morphology and identification

Adult

The adult Tineola bisselliella is a small measuring 6–8 mm in body length with a of 9–16 mm. Its wings are uniformly buff or golden-yellow, covered in fine, shiny scales that give a subtle sheen, and entirely lack spots, bands, or other patterns. The wings are narrow, typically held flat and roof-like over the at rest, and fringed along the margins with long, fine hairs. The head features a prominent tuft of reddish-brown hairs, contrasting with the paler body. The antennae are filiform, meaning thread-like in shape, and lack scales, measuring roughly three-quarters the length of the forewing. The legs are pale overall, with light brown tarsi and occasional white scaling on the feet, while the appears pale yellowish without distinct markings. Sexual dimorphism is subtle, with females generally slightly larger and more robust than males to support egg production. For identification, dorsal views in photographs typically highlight the golden wing coloration and even scale distribution, while close-ups emphasize the reddish head tuft and fringed wing edges.

Larva and immature stages

The eggs of Tineola bisselliella are tiny and oval-shaped, measuring approximately 0.5 mm in length and 0.3 mm in width, with a whitish or coloration that provides against fabrics. They are typically laid singly or in small clusters directly on or near suitable food sources such as or fur, secured by a sticky that adheres them to the substrate. The larvae, often referred to as the damaging stage, possess a creamy white or shiny white body that can reach up to 10–13 mm in length upon maturity, featuring a distinct brown to dark brown head capsule without ocelli (simple eyes). The body consists of 13 segments, with three pairs of true legs on the thoracic segments and prolegs on several abdominal segments (typically 3, 4, 5, 6, and 10) for locomotion. These larvae exhibit a strong aversion to light, preferring dark environments, and construct protective tubes or irregular webs interwoven with and substrate particles for shelter while feeding. The pupal stage occurs within a silken cocoon, typically measuring 5–13 mm in length, which is often camouflaged by incorporating surrounding debris, , or fabric fragments for . The pupal case itself is generally whitish, though it may appear irregular and blended with the environment due to attached materials. This stage represents a non-mobile, transitional form where the metamorphoses into the .

Biology

Life cycle

Tineola bisselliella undergoes complete , consisting of four distinct stages: , , , and . The stage lasts 4–10 days to hatch under typical indoor conditions around 25°C, with females laying 40–50 s singly or in clusters on suitable substrates. The larval stage is the longest and most variable, ranging from 35 days to over 2 years, during which the molts through 5–45 instars depending on , , and food availability. Larvae spin silken tunnels or mats on fabrics while feeding, and upon maturation, they construct a pupal cocoon from , incorporated with fibers and , typically measuring 4–8 mm in length. The pupal stage follows, lasting 8–25 days in warmer conditions, within the protective cocoon where the transformation to occurs. Adult moths emerge via eclosion from the pupal case and live 15–30 days without feeding, focusing solely on ; males typically outlive females. The total life cycle from to adult spans 2–3 months under optimal indoor conditions of 25–30°C and 70–75% relative , but can extend to several years in cooler environments below 15°C, where larvae may enter to survive unfavorable periods. Development rates are temperature-dependent, accelerating in warmth and while slowing or halting in or dry conditions.

Reproduction and behavior

Upon emergence from the pupal stage, adult Tineola bisselliella mate soon after, typically within 1–2 days, with males being attracted to female-produced sex pheromones such as (E,Z)-2,13-octadecadienal for long-range location of mates. Copulation often occurs in or near larval habitats, where males may also release aggregation pheromones to draw females. Adult females exhibit , mating multiple times—up to 11 observed instances in laboratory settings—to increase . Following mating, females commence oviposition, laying an average of 40–50 eggs over a 2– to 3-week period before dying. Eggs are typically deposited singly or in small clusters on or near suitable fabrics, secured by a sticky secretion that adheres them to fibers. Females preferentially select soiled materials, such as those stained with , , or food residues, as these provide nutritional cues for larval development. Larvae of T. bisselliella display nocturnal and photophobic behaviors, actively avoiding light and foraging primarily in dark, concealed locations like fabric folds or under . They construct silken webs or tunnels for protection while feeding and molting, which also serve as barriers against predators and environmental stress. Dispersal occurs mainly through crawling across surfaces, though limited movement helps them locate new feeding sites within infested areas. Adult T. bisselliella are non-feeding, focusing solely on during their short lifespan of about 16 days for females and 28 days for males. They exhibit crepuscular flight activity, becoming more mobile at , and strongly avoid illuminated areas, preferring to run or hide when disturbed rather than fly. This light aversion and brief adult phase restrict long-distance dispersal, confining infestations largely to indoor environments.

Distribution and ecology

Geographic range

Tineola bisselliella is native to the western Palearctic (), though some studies hypothesize an origin in Central or based on historical and ecological evidence. Its association with human activities has made early records scarce due to its synanthropic nature. The species was first scientifically described in 1823 by Arvid David Hummel, marking its recognition as a fabric pest in . The moth's spread accelerated through global trade, particularly via contaminated textiles and woolen goods during the colonial era, leading to its establishment as a cosmopolitan species. By the , it had reached , where it is now widespread across the and southern , often in association with human dwellings. Similarly, introductions occurred in and around the same period, facilitated by shipping routes carrying infested materials. Today, T. bisselliella is found in urban areas worldwide, including parts of and the , thriving in temperate climates but persisting in controlled indoor environments elsewhere. As of , the maintains a stable, non-endangered status globally, with no conservation concerns due to its pestiferous nature and human-mediated dispersal. Its tolerance for a wide range of levels, including drier conditions, has enabled expansion into tropical regions through air-conditioned buildings, though it remains most prevalent in temperate zones. Distribution maps, such as those based on trap captures and historical records, illustrate its core native areas in the western Palearctic contrasted with invasive populations across the and .

Habitat and diet

Tineola bisselliella primarily inhabits indoor environments, favoring dark and undisturbed locations such as wardrobes, attics, closets, and storage areas where potential sources accumulate. These moths are weak fliers and avoid light, contributing to their preference for secluded spaces within human dwellings. Optimal development occurs at temperatures between 20°C and 30°C and relative levels of 50% to 80%, with lower humidity or extreme temperatures slowing larval growth and reducing population viability. In natural settings, the species occasionally appears in bird nests, where larvae exploit feathers and associated debris, though such occurrences are rare and considered incidental to its synanthropic lifestyle. The diet of T. bisselliella varies by life stage, with adults emerging without functional mouthparts and thus not feeding at all, relying instead on energy reserves from the larval phase. Larvae are the feeding stage, targeting keratin-rich animal-derived materials including , , , feathers, and , which provide the structural protein essential for their . They also consume associated contaminants like sebum, sweat stains, and skin flakes on fabrics, showing a marked for soiled items over clean ones, as these residues enhance digestibility. While primarily keratin specialists, larvae may graze on fibers or synthetics only if blended with animal materials or heavily soiled, but they generally avoid clean synthetic fabrics due to their indigestibility. Foraging involves surface , where larvae create irregular holes and silk tunnels on host materials, often concentrating damage along seams or stained areas. Ecologically, T. bisselliella serves as a of keratinous animal products, breaking down shed hair, feathers, and hides in natural microhabitats like nests, thereby recycling in ecosystems. This role is facilitated by symbiotic gut , which larvae maintain and which secrete cocktails to hydrolyze tough bonds, enabling efficient of otherwise recalcitrant substrates. Such microbial interactions underscore the species' specialized niche, allowing it to thrive where few other herbivores can exploit these resources.

As a pest

Damage caused

The larvae of Tineola bisselliella, commonly known as the clothes moth, inflict primary damage by digesting , a tough protein found in animal-based materials, which results in the formation of irregularly shaped holes in textiles and specimens. This feeding activity targets natural fibers such as , cashmere, , feathers, , and , often grazing at the base of fibers to create threadbare spots or detached clumps in items like , carpets, , and mounts. In addition to structural degradation, larvae produce silken —either in tubular forms or patchy mats—and deposit in the form of tiny fecal pellets, which accumulate on infested surfaces and exacerbate the visual and functional deterioration of affected materials. The extent of damage varies with infestation severity; minor cases may show scattered small holes or bare patches, while extensive outbreaks can lead to of garments, rugs, or sections, rendering them unusable. Economically, these pests cause substantial losses, with annual damage to wool-containing textiles estimated at up to $1 billion, highlighting their impact on households, textile industries, and cultural institutions. Indirect health effects arise from shed larval skins, , and , which can act as allergens when inhaled or contacted, potentially triggering respiratory or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Signs of an infestation include the presence of silken tubes or webbing in concealed areas like folds, seams, or under furniture; irregular bare patches and holes in fabrics; accumulations of frass; and sightings of small, golden-yellow adult moths fluttering near affected items. Unlike termites or wood-boring insects, T. bisselliella causes no structural damage to buildings, confining its harm to organic fabrics and artifacts. Historically, the species has been a recognized pest since Roman times, with evidence of wool infestations in archaeological remains, and it posed a major threat to museum collections and wardrobes throughout the 20th century due to its affinity for stored textiles.

Control and prevention

Preventing infestations of Tineola bisselliella, the webbing clothes moth, begins with maintaining cleanliness and proper storage practices to eliminate potential breeding sites. Regular vacuuming of closets, wardrobes, and affected areas removes eggs, larvae, and food sources like lint or pet hair, while disposing of the vacuum bag immediately prevents reintroduction. Sealing fabrics in airtight containers or bags during storage, combined with or laundering at high temperatures (at least 49°C), kills all life stages and provides ongoing protection. Natural repellents such as cedar blocks or lavender sachets can deter adults when placed in storage areas, though their efficacy diminishes over time and requires periodic replacement. Physical control methods offer non-toxic alternatives suitable for homes and sensitive items like artifacts. Freezing infested materials at -18°C for at least 72 hours effectively kills eggs and larvae without damaging most fabrics. Heat treatments, such as tumble drying at 50°C for 30 minutes or using dryers for washable items, denature proteins in the moths' life stages. For valuable or delicate objects, anoxic environments created by or chambers deprive of oxygen, achieving mortality rates over 99% in controlled settings after 7-14 days. These methods are particularly recommended for (IPM) in museums and archives. Chemical controls should be used judiciously, targeting fabrics directly while minimizing exposure in living spaces. Insecticides like or pyrethrins, applied as sprays to or , provide residual protection against adults and larvae for several months. Dichlorvos-impregnated strips can repel and kill adults in enclosed areas but are not suitable for open homes due to volatility. Fumigants like are avoided in residential settings due to health risks and are reserved for professional use on large-scale infestations. Always follow label instructions and ventilate treated areas thoroughly. Biological and IPM approaches integrate multiple strategies for sustainable control, emphasizing monitoring and natural enemies. Pheromone traps lure and capture male adults using synthetic sex attractants like (E,Z)-2,13-octadecadienal, reducing mating success and ; field trials indicate they can decrease adult numbers in infested spaces when placed strategically. Parasitoid wasps, such as Trichogramma evanescens, target moth eggs by laying their own within them, offering an eco-friendly option without residues. Recent reports as of 2024 highlight increasing adoption of Trichogramma releases in homes and cultural institutions to suppress outbreaks without chemicals. For severe cases, professional extermination combines these with inspections to address hidden infestations.

References

  1. https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/clothes-moths/
  2. https://bugguide.net/node/view/258504
  3. https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef609
  4. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/clothes-moths
  5. https://www.gbif.org/species/1857626
  6. http://entomology2.or.kr/journal/article.php?code=87257
  7. https://www.invasive.org/browse/subinfo.cfm?sub=8962&cat=100
  8. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tineola
  9. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/tineola
  10. https://www.pagepressjournals.org/index.php/jear/article/download/jear.2011.83/198
  11. https://extension.psu.edu/clothes-moth/
  12. https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs1182/
  13. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/take-part/identify-nature/common-insect-pest-species-in-homes/clothes-moths-identification-guide.html
  14. https://www.totalwardrobecare.co.uk/pages/the-life-of-a-clothes-moth
  15. https://www.michepestcontrol.com/pest-library/moths/clothes-moths/
  16. https://extension.psu.edu/clothes-moth
  17. https://entomology.ucr.edu/ebelingchapter8
  18. https://museumpests.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Webbing-Clothes-Moth-3-27-17.pdf
  19. https://www.insectslimited.com/blog/insect-of-the-month-webbing-clothes-moth
  20. https://extension.usu.edu/pests/research/clothes-moth.php
  21. https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/caes/documents/publications/fact_sheets/entomology/clothes_moths_tineidae.pdf
  22. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12046621/
  23. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/PL00001846
  24. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/canadian-entomologist/article/communication-ecology-of-webbing-clothes-moth-evidence-for-maleproduced-aggregation-signals/717EC40E1C35415AD8431F2352CEA5A3
  25. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1134/S001387381108001X
  26. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273294610_An_attempt_to_reconstruct_the_natural_and_cultural_history_of_the_webbing_clothes_moth_Tineola_bisselliella_Hummel_Lepidoptera_Tineidae
  27. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7563610/
  28. https://auth1.dpr.ncparks.gov/moths/view.php?MONA_number=426
  29. https://australian.museum/learn/animals/insects/case-bearing-clothes-moth/
  30. https://www.insectslimited.com/webbing-clothes-moth
  31. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IG090
  32. https://www.mothprevention.com/blogs/the-art-of-prevention/webbing-clothes-moth
  33. https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/structural-pest-control/clothes-moths-carpet-beetles.html
  34. https://entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef609
  35. https://entomologytoday.org/2023/03/21/defense-webbing-clothes-moths-marvels-evolution/
  36. https://extension.usu.edu/pests/slideshows/ppt/07sh-insects-household.pdf
  37. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/conservation/clothes-moth-research/understanding-clothes-moths/
  38. https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/clothes-moths
  39. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/siteassets/home/learn/conservation/collections-advice--guidance/clothes-moth-prevention-and-control-guideline.pdf
  40. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265947648_Efficiency_comparison_of_three_attractant_products_against_webbing_clothes_moth_Tineola_bisselliella_Hummel_Lepidoptera_Tineidae_using_an_adapted_four_arms_olfactometer
  41. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00393630.2023.2180567
  42. https://museumpests.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Vienna_IPM_3ASM.pdf
  43. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/26/magazine/moths-clothes-trichogramma-wasps.html
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