Discover the surprising snacks that attract moths and how to prevent infestations in your home, wardrobe, and pantry.
What Do Moths Eat?
Moths are often viewed as pests, but their eating habits can help you prevent infestations. To attract moths, certain foods and materials are more appealing than others.
Types of Foods Attracted to Moths
When it comes to moth infestations, the larvae are usually the culprits. These caterpillars feed on a variety of substances, including:
Moths are primarily nocturnal insects that feed on a wide range of materials, including fabrics, wool, and silk.
Adult moths have a short proboscis, which they use to pierce plant-based materials and suck out the nutrients.
Some moth species, such as the lichen moth, feed on fungi and lichens.
Moths also consume pollen, nectar, and tree sap.
In contrast, caterpillars, the larval stage of moths, are herbivores and eat leaves, stems, and flowers.
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Plant material like leaves, stems, and seeds
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Rotting fruits and vegetables
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Animal dung or bird droppings, depending on the species
Once they’ve finished eating, the caterpillars form cocoons and transform into winged adults. However, many adult moths don’t eat at all, using stored energy from their larval stage to focus on finding mates and laying eggs.
Some adult moths do drink nectar, pollinating food plants along the way.
Pantry Moths: A Common Problem
Pantry moths, such as the Indianmeal moth, Mediterranean pantry moth, or almond moth, are notorious for infesting kitchens. These bugs lay their eggs in stored foods, and when the larvae hatch, they feast on:
Pantry moths are small, grayish-white insects that infest stored food products.
They lay eggs in sealed containers, which hatch into larvae that feed on grains, cereals, and other dry goods.
To prevent infestation, store food in airtight containers, clean up crumbs and spills promptly, and keep pantries well-ventilated.
Regularly inspect stored food for signs of moth activity.
If an infestation occurs, use pheromone traps or insecticidal soap to control the population.
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Dried pasta
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Grain products
- Dried fruit
- Pet food
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Even kibble bags
Clothes Moths: A Threat to Your Wardrobe
Clothes moths, like the common clothes moth (webbing clothes moth) or casemaking clothes moth, target dark, undisturbed places with natural fibers. When the larvae hatch, they nibble on:
Clothes moths are small, hairy insects that feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, and fur.
They are attracted to moisture, darkness, and organic matter.
Adult moths lay eggs near their food source, which hatch into larvae that burrow into fabric.
Common signs of infestation include tiny holes, frayed edges, and discarded skin.
To prevent infestations, store clothing in airtight containers, use mothballs or natural repellents, and regularly inspect for damage.
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Wool
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Silk
- Fur
Occasionally even pet fur or feathers
Strategic Egg-Laying by Mother Moths
Mother moths are strategic in their egg-laying habits. They’ll often lay eggs right next to a prime food source, ensuring their babies have an easy meal when they hatch.
To eliminate moths and prevent infestations, consider the following steps:
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Clean and vacuum infested areas thoroughly
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Store clothes in sealed containers, especially items made from natural fibers
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Use dry ice or cold treatments to kill moth eggs in stored items
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Remove contaminated food and scrub down pantry shelves
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Use traps specific to flour moths, clothes moths, or grain moths
- howstuffworks.com | What Do Moths Eat? Nectar, Dung and Your Favorite Sweater
