Moths Pest Control and Treatment

Moths Pest Control

Moths are flying insects closely related to butterflies, belonging to the order Lepidoptera. While most moths are harmless and even play a role in pollination, several species are considered pests because their larvae (caterpillars) feed on fabrics, stored foods, and crops. In homes, clothes moths and pantry moths are the most problematic, as they damage clothing, carpets, upholstery, and stored dry goods.

Moths undergo a complete metamorphosis with four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. It is the larval stage that causes the most damage, as caterpillars consume large amounts of material to fuel their growth.

What Do Moths Look Like? 

Moths vary greatly in size and colour depending on the species. Most pest moths found indoors are small, usually 8–14 mm long with narrow wings. Clothes moths are pale golden or buff-coloured, while pantry moths (such as the Indian meal moth) have distinctive reddish-brown markings on their wings.

Adult moths are less harmful — they do not feed on fabrics or food — but their presence indoors usually indicates breeding activity nearby. The real damage comes from their larvae: small, creamy-white caterpillars that feed on natural fibres like wool, silk, or stored grains.

Where Do Moths Live?

Moths are highly adaptable and live in a wide range of environments. Outdoors, they are attracted to light sources at night and breed in gardens, crops, and natural habitats. Indoors, moth infestations typically occur in two key areas:

• Clothes moths live in dark, undisturbed places like wardrobes, cupboards, under furniture, or in stored fabrics where larvae can feed undisturbed.
• Pantry moths thrive in kitchens, pantries, and food storage areas. They infest dry goods such as flour, rice, cereal, pasta, nuts, and pet food.

Moths are most active during warmer months, but in heated homes they can breed year-round, leading to ongoing infestations if left untreated.

Common Types of Moths in Australia

Australia is home to many different moth species, but only a handful are considered serious household pests. These pest moths don’t just flutter around lightbulbs,  their larvae can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, and stored foods. Infestations often go unnoticed until damage becomes obvious, making early detection and treatment essential.

Below are the most common moth species that invade Australian homes and why they are a problem.

Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella and Tinea pellionella)

How they look
Clothes moths are small, pale golden or buff-coloured moths, usually only 8–12 mm long. Unlike many moths, they avoid light and prefer dark, undisturbed areas.

Where they live
They infest wardrobes, cupboards, and storage boxes, especially where natural fabrics like wool, silk, fur, or feathers are stored. They are often found under furniture or in carpet edges where larvae can feed unnoticed.

Why they are a problem
It’s not the adult moths but their larvae that cause damage. The caterpillars feed on keratin in natural fibres, leaving behind irregular holes in clothing, carpets, and upholstery. Severe infestations can destroy valuable garments or furnishings.

Pantry Moth / Flour Moth (Plodia interpunctella)

How they look
Also known as Indian meal moths or grain moths, pantry moths are about 12 mm long, with reddish-brown wings marked by a dark band. Their larvae are small, creamy-white caterpillars.

Where they live
They infest kitchens, pantries, and food storage areas. Female moths lay up to 400 eggs in dry goods such as flour, rice, cereal, pasta, grains, nuts, chocolate, and even pet food.

Why they are a problem
When the eggs hatch, the larvae wriggle through stored food, contaminating it with silk, webbing, and droppings. Infestations often begin when food already carries eggs or larvae from infested warehouses or storage facilities. Severe infestations may take months to fully eliminate, as larvae pupate in cracks and emerge as new adults to restart the cycle.

Carpet Moth (Trichophaga tapetzella)

How they look
Carpet moths are slightly larger than clothes moths, growing up to 14 mm long. They are dull brown or mottled, with wings fringed in fine hairs.

Where they live
They target carpets, rugs, and upholstery containing wool or other natural fibres. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas, such as beneath furniture or along skirting boards.

Why they are a problem
The larvae tunnel into carpets and upholstery, leaving behind bare patches and loose fibres. In severe cases, large areas of carpet can be destroyed, especially in less frequently used rooms.

Light Brown Apple Moth (Epiphyas postvittana)

How they look
Medium-sized moths with a wingspan of 16–25 mm. They are light brown with darker markings on their wings.

Where they live
Found across Australia, particularly in gardens, orchards, and vineyards. The larvae feed on a wide variety of plants, including apples, grapes, citrus, stone fruit, ornamentals, and vegetables.

Why they are a problem
Caterpillars roll and web leaves together while feeding, damaging fruit and reducing crop yields. They are a major agricultural pest and a problem for home gardeners with fruit trees or vegetable patches.

Lucerne Seed Web Moth (Etiella behrii)

How they look
Slender greyish-brown moths with narrow wings. Their larvae are pale green to pink caterpillars.

Where they live
They infest legumes such as lucerne, peas, soybeans, and beans, attacking pods and seeds.

Why they are a problem
The larvae feed inside seed pods, causing significant losses in crops and gardens. Infestations are particularly severe in agricultural settings but can affect backyard vegetable gardens too.

Lesser Budworm (Heliothis punctifera)

How they look
Adult moths are small and brownish with mottled wings. Larvae are striped caterpillars ranging from green to brown.

Where they live
They are migratory and widespread across inland Australia, particularly in arid regions.

Why they are a problem
The larvae feed on a wide range of crops including cotton, sunflowers, tobacco, and vegetables. They are considered a major pest for farmers

Citrus Flower Moth (Prays nephelomima)

How they look
Tiny grey moths with narrow, fringed wings. The larvae are pale caterpillars that burrow into flower buds.

Where they live
Found mainly in citrus-growing regions of Australia, particularly in home gardens with lemon, orange, or mandarin trees.

Why they are a problem
Larvae destroy citrus flower buds, reducing fruit yields significantly. Multiple generations per year make them difficult to manage without regular monitoring.

How to Identify Moth Infestations 

Moths can become a nuisance both indoors and outdoors. Inside, pantry and clothes moths contaminate food or damage fabrics. Outside, species such as the light brown apple moth attack fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and ornamentals. Because moths often cause damage in their larval stage, infestations may not be obvious until harm is already done.

Damaged Food Products (Indoors)

One of the clearest signs of a pantry moth infestation is damaged or contaminated food. Check dry goods such as flour, cereals, rice, pasta, nuts, or pet food for small holes in packaging, silky webbing, or unusual odours. Infested food may clump together, feel sticky, or reveal tiny wriggling larvae inside. Adult moths may also be spotted fluttering around cupboards and pantry corners.

Webbing in Dark Corners and Containers

Moth larvae spin fine, silky webbing as they feed and move. This webbing can appear inside food packets, in the creases of cardboard boxes, or in dark corners of cupboards. Outdoors, certain moth species create webbing on leaves or around fruit as they feed, binding plant parts together.

Damage to Clothing and Fabrics

Clothes moths target natural fibres such as wool, silk, and fur. Infestations are often identified by small, irregular holes in garments, upholstery, or rugs. You may also spot silky threads or cocoons tucked away in wardrobes, storage boxes, or carpet edges.

Plant and Crop Damage (Outdoors)

Garden and agricultural moth pests, such as the light brown apple moth, can cause significant crop damage. Larvae chew leaves, roll them together with silk, or burrow into fruit, pods, and buds. Damaged plants may appear distorted, with frass (caterpillar droppings) left behind in feeding areas.

Adult Moth Activity

Adult moths are nocturnal and may be seen resting on walls, ceilings, or near light sources indoors. Outdoors, adult moths may cluster around porch lights at night or be found resting on plants during the day. High activity of adult moths in and around the home often indicates a breeding population nearby.

Signs of Heavy Infestation

In severe cases, multiple pantry products may show signs of contamination at once, with widespread webbing and larvae present. Clothes moth infestations may result in large areas of fabric damage across wardrobes or carpets. Outdoors, heavy infestations can cause stunted plant growth, blemished fruit, and widespread crop loss. At this stage, professional pest control is recommended to identify the species involved and implement effective treatments.

How to Prevent Moth Infestations

Moths are one of the most common household and storage pests in Australia. Pantry moths infest dry goods in kitchens, clothes moths damage natural fabrics, and agricultural moths can devastate crops and gardens. Because they multiply quickly, prevention is far easier than dealing with a full infestation. By keeping food, clothing, and storage areas clean and secure, you can significantly reduce the risk of moth problems indoors and outdoors.

Keep Food Storage Areas Clean

Pantry moths are attracted to grains, cereals, rice, flour, dried fruit, and nuts. To prevent them from taking hold, clean cupboards thoroughly at least once a year. Use warm soapy water rather than harsh chemicals, paying attention to cupboard corners, shelf holes, and door hinges where eggs may be hidden. Vacuuming crevices can also remove larvae and eggs that are otherwise hard to spot.

Use Proper Containers and Storage

Avoid leaving dry goods in bags or cardboard boxes, which moths can easily penetrate. Instead, store food in airtight containers made from glass, metal, or thick plastic. For long-term storage, place items such as flour or rice in the freezer for a few days before transferring them to the pantry to kill any hidden eggs.

Monitor and Rotate Food Supplies

Check “use by” dates regularly and rotate food stock so older items are used first. Remove expired or suspicious products immediately. If you are ever unsure how long something has been in storage, it’s best to throw it out rather than risk contamination.

Protect Clothing and Fabrics

Clothes moths thrive in dark, undisturbed wardrobes and storage boxes. Wash or dry-clean wool, silk, and other natural fibres before storing them long-term, and keep them in sealed garment bags or airtight containers. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets can help deter moths naturally, though they are not a complete solution.

Reduce Attractants Outdoors

Moths are strongly attracted to light, especially during their peak activity in spring and summer. Reduce outdoor lighting at night, use yellow “bug-safe” bulbs, and close blinds to minimise indoor light spill. In gardens, promptly remove damaged fruit or vegetables, and monitor for webbing or leaf damage that may indicate agricultural moth activity.

Act Quickly if Signs Appear

If you notice webbing, larvae, or adult moths, remove and dispose of infested products immediately. Vacuum and wipe down affected areas, and leave cupboards bare for a few weeks to ensure no new moths emerge. Quick intervention prevents a minor problem from developing into a widespread infestation.

How to Get Rid of Moth Infestations

At-Home Actions to Get Rid Of Moths

Remove Infested Items
Inspect all food products or clothing carefully. Any items showing webbing, larvae, or damage should be thrown away or washed thoroughly. For clothes moths, wash or dry-clean infested garments before storing them again. For pantry moths, discard all contaminated food in sealed bags to prevent re-infestation.

Thorough Cleaning
For pantry infestations, scrub cupboards with warm soapy water and vacuum cracks and crevices where eggs may be hidden. For clothes moths, vacuum wardrobes, drawers, and carpets where larvae may be feeding. Pay special attention to corners, seams, and under furniture, as moth larvae often hide in dark, undisturbed areas.

Freeze or Heat-Treat Items
Clothes or small food products that may still contain eggs or larvae can be treated safely by placing them in the freezer for at least 72 hours, or by heat-treating them in a hot dryer cycle. Both methods kill hidden larvae and prevent future outbreaks.

Use Moth Traps
Sticky pheromone traps are effective at capturing adult moths, helping reduce breeding. Pantry moth traps can be placed in cupboards, while clothes moth traps work well in wardrobes and storage areas. These traps also help you monitor whether the infestation is still active.

Professional Moth Treatments

Residual Insecticide Sprays
Pest control specialists can apply targeted sprays in cupboards, wardrobes, and storage areas. These professional-grade treatments kill adult moths and larvae and provide a residual barrier against re-infestation.

Fumigation Treatments
In cases of severe infestation — particularly in warehouses, large pantries, or textile storage facilities — fumigation may be necessary. This method penetrates deeply into fabrics, crevices, and stored products, eliminating all life stages of moths.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Professionals may recommend an IPM approach that combines cleaning, exclusion, monitoring, and targeted treatments. This reduces the need for repeated chemical use and ensures long-term control of moth populations.

Call a Pest Control Professional

Because moth infestations can spread quickly and often remain hidden until numbers are high, professional help is strongly recommended for severe cases. A licensed pest control company can identify the species, locate breeding sites, and apply safe, effective treatments.

Need help now? Book a professional moth inspection on 1300 766 614. Our experts will assess your home, explain treatment options, and create a tailored plan to eliminate moths and protect your property.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What do moths eat? 

It depends on the type of moth. Pantry moths feed on stored dry goods such as flour, rice, grains, cereals, nuts, and dried fruit. Clothes moths don’t eat the fabric themselves — their larvae feed on natural fibres like wool, silk, and fur, digesting the keratin found in these materials. Adult moths generally don’t eat much, but some may sip nectar or moisture.

How long do moths live? 

The lifespan of a moth varies greatly by species. Pantry moths usually live 1–2 weeks as adults but may take several weeks to reach that stage. Clothes moths can live up to 65–90 days, depending on environmental conditions. While adults don’t live long, their rapid breeding cycles mean infestations can persist for months if untreated.

Why are moths attracted to light? 

Moths use natural light sources like the moon for navigation. Artificial lights confuse them, causing them to circle lamps and windows. This behaviour, known as positive phototaxis, is why you often see moths fluttering around outdoor lights at night.

Do moths bite? 

No, adult moths do not bite humans. They don’t have the mouthparts for biting or chewing. Some species have a proboscis, a straw-like structure for sipping nectar, but they pose no biting risk. The real damage comes from moth larvae, which feed on stored food or fabrics.

Why do I have small moths in my house? 

Small brown or grey moths in the kitchen are likely pantry moths, brought in through infested dry goods such as flour, rice, or cereals. In wardrobes, small golden or beige moths are usually clothes moths, which lay eggs in natural fibres. Poor food storage infrequently used clothing, and dark undisturbed areas often encourage infestations.

Where do moths come from?

Pantry moths usually hitch a ride into homes through packaged food products already infested at storage facilities. Clothes moths may come in on second-hand furniture, rugs, or clothing. Once inside, they breed quickly, with females laying hundreds of eggs on food or fabrics, leading to rapid population growth.