Pests don't wait. Protect your home today.
Webbing Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella)
Identify it, prevent it, and know when to call. A South Florida guide from Pro-Spray.
$50 OFF your first service + FREE inspectionNew customers · No code needed · No expiration
What Is the Webbing Clothes Moth?
This small moth avoids light, so you're more likely to see it flutter out of a closet than circle a lamp. The larvae spin silk tunnels and patches as they feed on animal fibers, especially items that are soiled with sweat or food. Stored winter clothes, rugs and wool upholstery are favorite targets.
How to Identify Them
Adults are small, plain golden moths that run or flutter low rather than fly far. Larvae are creamy white with a brown head and leave silk webbing and droppings on damaged fabric. If the moths are in your kitchen around flour or cereal, see Indian meal moth instead.
Life Cycle
Females lay eggs directly on fabric, usually in dark, undisturbed spots. The larvae feed and spin silk tunnels or patches as they go, which is where the "webbing" name comes from. When grown, they pupate in a silk cocoon on or near the fabric. Adults avoid light, live a short time and don't feed on fabric at all.
Look-alikes and How to Tell Them Apart
- Indian meal moth (pantry moth): larger, with two-toned wings (pale front, coppery back); found in kitchens around grains.
- Casemaking clothes moth: similar adult, but the larva carries a small portable case.
- Carpet beetles: damage fabric too, but leave bristly shed skins instead of silk.
- Small outdoor moths: fly to porch lights; clothes moths stay in dark closets.
Where They Hide in South Florida Homes
Dark closets and wardrobes, under heavy furniture, under the edges of wool rugs, in stored suits, sweaters and blankets, felt piano parts, feather items and fur. Seasonal residents' stored winter clothing is a common target over the summer.
When to Call a Pro
Call if you see small golden moths in closets, find silk webbing on fabrics, or notice new holes in wool or silk. We can help find the source and treat hiding spots.
Signs of Webbing Clothes Moths
- Small moths fluttering out of closets or from under furniture
- Holes in wool or silk with silk webbing nearby
- Bare patches in wool rugs, especially under furniture
Is it dangerous?
- Property damage
Larvae eat wool, silk, cashmere, fur and feathers.
Prevention Tips
- Clean clothes before storage; moths favor soiled fabric.
- Store wool and silk in sealed bins or garment bags.
- Vacuum closets, rug edges and under furniture often.
- Shake out and air stored items a few times a year.
How Pro-Spray Treats Webbing Clothes Moths
We inspect closets, rugs and storage to find active larvae, guide you on cleaning or discarding damaged items, and treat cracks, closets and baseboards with products labeled for fabric pests. Pheromone traps help monitor adults. Our Bug Free Guarantee: If pests come back between visits, so do we, at no extra cost.
New customer offer
$50 OFF your first service
+ FREE inspection
Then stay protected with our $125 quarterly pest control plan, about $42/month.
New customers only. No code needed and no expiration. Mention this offer when you call or text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do clothes moths eat cotton?
Are the moths I see causing the damage?
Do cedar closets stop moths?
Reviewed October 2026 by Pro-Spray's family-run team
Pests don't wait.
Protect your home today.
Get $50 OFF your first pest service and a FREE inspection & estimate. Ongoing protection is $125 quarterly (about $42/month), with no contracts and no cancellation fees.
Prefer to text or email? Text us · info@prospraypest.com