Carpet Beetle Clothes Moth Larvae

This species is considered both a fabric pest feeding on woolens and a stored product pest that infests grain.

Carpet beetle clothes moth larvae. Clothes moths today with less clothing and carpeting made of wool clothes moths are less common than they once were. Carpet beetle larvae can damage fabrics furnishings and clothing that contain cotton wool. The larva is up to one fourth of an inch long and carrot shaped with a fan of long hairs on the tail end. Clothes moth and carpet beetle larvae feed in quiet dark areas closets attics bureau drawers storage trunks or boxes.

The larvae caterpillars still graze the surface of woolens and will feed on other items including those made of hair fur silk or feathers. Items that are stored for long periods are especially at risk. The caterpillars are white with dark brown heads. The damage is often mistaken for clothes moth larvae attack.

Damage to fabrics and materials is caused only by the moth larvae grubs the adult moths do not feed. They do not damage rugs and carpets in regular traffic areas or where routinely vacuumed. Such pests seldom infest items used on a regular basis. The carpet beetle larva is a fuzzy slow moving light brown or blackish worm about 1 4 inch long.

Identifying and controlling clothes moths carpet beetles and silverfish clothes moths.