Carpet Moth Larvae Cocoon

The larvae do the real damage.

Carpet moth larvae cocoon.

Clothing moths these are the ones that eat wool come in two varieties case making moths which are most common in the southern us and the webbing moth which has a much wider range. The larva moults within the case and when fully grown it pupates within the cocoon and eventually the adult moth emerges to mate and lay eggs. Synthetics aren t so much at risk. They eat a lot.

Alamy i f you have never heard of the case bearing carpet moth tinea pellionella you are lucky they have probably not invaded your home. The carpet tapestry moth does not only feed on carpet but will also eat clothing fur animal skin and any textiles or upholstery made of natural fibres. Infested material is often littered with empty silk bags or cases figure 6 which resemble grains of rice. Depending on temperatures and humidity conditions carpet moth larvae can live for up to nearly 3 years eating your home textiles that s for colder climates.

The larvae then leave a mark everywhere they go. Carpet moths can cause expensive and upsetting damage once they find their way into your house. Carpet tapestry moths tend to lay their eggs in the darkest patches of your carpet such as under furniture behind curtains or by skirting boards. In warmer areas they can go from egg to pupation into adults in little over a month.

Let s look at how are they able to trespass on your property. First and foremost any opening can be inviting for these moths. The adult carpet moths can easily fly in through windows doors or cracks. Eggs hatch into larvae and larvae pupate into carpet moths.

Eventually making a cocoon and hatching into moths to repeat the cycle. Each larva spins a cocoon when it pupates so the presence of silk like casings also indicate carpet moths. Some moths such as the clothes moth may find their way into homes. Caterpillars spin silk and this silk is used to form the cocoon for the pupal stage of development the final stage before adulthood.

Their larvae which are caterpillars are voracious eaters.