Moths in the household are a widespread problem – but not all moths are the same. While clothes moths infest your textiles, food moths spread in pantry cupboards. Both types look similar at first glance but differ significantly in habitat, behavior, and control. Knowing the difference allows targeted action and prevents reinfestation.
Difference 1: Appearance
Clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella)
- Size: approx. 6–9 mm
- Color: solid color, beige or golden yellow
- Behavior: flies hardly, rather sits quietly on walls or textiles
- Distinctive: appears smaller, more delicate, and inconspicuous
Food moth (dried fruit moth / flour moth)
- Size: 10–14 mm
- Color: bicolor, usually with a darker rear
- Behavior: flies more frequently and restlessly around the room
- Distinctive: noticeably larger and more contrastingly colored
Difference 2: Habitat & food sources
Clothes moths
Prefer:
- Wool
- Furs
- Feathers
- Felt and carpets
- Clothing made from animal fibers (cashmere, mohair, etc.)
The larvae eat the fibers – these are the actual pests, not the adult moths.
Pantry moths
Prefer:
- Flour
- nuts
- Cereals
- Rice
- Dried fruits
- Pet food
Here too, larvae cause the damage: they contaminate food with webbing and droppings.
Difference 3: Typical signs of infestation
Clothes moths
- Small, irregular holes in textiles
- Fine webbing in cupboards
- Small larvae in the wardrobe
- Moths sit sluggishly on clothes or walls
Pantry moths
- Clumped flour or grain products
- Webbing in packaging
- Small larvae crawl on walls or in cupboard cracks
- Small moths fly restlessly through the kitchen
Difference 4: Control
Combat clothes moths
- Wash clothes hot (at least 60°C – if possible)
- Freeze wool (48–72 h at –18°C)
- Thoroughly clean the cupboard, including cracks
- Use pheromone traps for infestation monitoring
- Lavender, cedarwood, or essential oils for prevention
- In case of severe infestation: Professional pest control
Combat pantry moths
- Dispose of all infested food
- Completely empty cabinets
- Wash hot (vinegar water, soapy water)
- Vacuum holes, cracks, and crevices
- Set up pheromone traps
- Store food airtight in the future (glass/metal)
- Always keep pet food sealed
- For persistent infestations: contact a professional
Difference 5: Prevention
Clothes moths
- Only store clean clothing
- Store wool items in garment bags
- Use lavender sachets or cedarwood
- Regularly air out wardrobes
Pantry moths
- Store supplies dry and cool
- Store products in airtight containers
- Do not leave pet food open
- Regularly check cabinets
Conclusion: Recognize moths = fight them efficiently
Whether clothes moths in the wardrobe or pantry moths in the kitchen – the control strategy is only successful if it is clear which type of moth has settled in the household. Those who know the differences can act purposefully, avoid future infestations, and protect their home in the long term.
