In the UK with have over 3000 species of moths but luckily only a very small number are considered a pest, with a fraction of these, are likely to be encountered within a domestic or commercial dwelling. As a rule, we divide the pest variant of moths into 2 sub-classes: textile or stored product moths.
This website does not provide rambling information on each specific moth; we have enclosed a link to the relevant Wikipedia page if you require detailed information on a specific moth species.
Below is a list of the main species of moths that are likely to be encountered; please click on the buttons for recommended products.
Textile Moths
Common Clothes Moth
Tineola bisselliella
This is the most likely culprit of damage to clothing and other textiles. The common clothes moth is also known as the webbing moth or simply clothes moth and is common throughout the world as a serious pest that causes considerable damage to a range or textiles and furs.
If you are unsure about which moth you have its ‘likely’ you have this one!
Case-Bearing Clothes Moth
Tinea pellionella
This is a close cousin of the above common clothes moth but has some major differences that are easily identifiable. Users can easily identify rice-sized pod cases within the area of infestation and whilst this moth can cause similar damage to the above its more likely to damage carpets and furniture.
Commonly users will notice patches in carpets; especially around the edges and corners
Pale-Backed Clothes Moth
Monopis crocicapitella
This is a relatively new moth that has been added as a type of clothes moth and we have seen an immense amount of growth in populations over the last several years.
This moth can cause damage to clothing and textiles but can also be associated with a wide range of other sources including bird nests, hair debris and stored food products.
Brown House Moth
Hofmannophila pseudospretella
This is a common moth species found around the home; often in small numbers and with little visible damage. This moth is larger that the above common variants
Brown house moths are known to attack wool, leather and feathers. Sources of any established activity can be difficult to highlight bust are often around skirting boards as they are known to feed of loose hair debris that can congregate in these areas.
Stored Product Moths
Indian Meal Moth
Plodia interpunctella
Commonly known as pantry moth this is a common species of stored product moth that is often found around both domestic and commercial kitchens. The Indian meal moth is often associated with spilt food debris and out-of-date food at the back of a cupboard
The moth is easily identifiable by the dual shading on the top of the wings.
Warehouse Moth
Ephestia Elutella & Ephestia Cautella
The warehouse house is less common to the above Indian Meal Moth however they are still often found in both residential and commercial dwellings. The warehouse moth is often found around spilt debris and has a known preference for dried fruit, chocolate and nuts.
Mediterranean Flour Moth
Ephestia Kuehniella
The Mediterranean flour moth is also commonly known as just the flour moth or mill moth; a stubborn stored product moth that can quickly cause major issues to bakeries and other similar locations.
Whilst this moth is commonly found within areas of flour they are also known to infest grain storage.
Non-Specific Moth Control Products
Other Species / Universal Treatment Products
The above species mentioned are only a sample of the main pests that are commonly found within the UK, both in private dwellings and commercial buildings; however several other moths such as White-shouldered House Mouse, Bee Moth & Wax Moth are variants that occasionally enter internal locations but generally either do not cause significant damage or warrant any specifically related control method.
Most species of pest moth, including the above-named species, can be controlled through initial identification and then removal of the original cause. Moths will not be present in multiple numbers without a source reason and identification of this is key for control and long-term removal; an example is the earlier mentioned Wax Moth that is normally associated with a disused wasp or bees nest and without the removal any reoccurrence is likely.
For pest moths, we offer a range of products that can be used to aid in a control treatment for example insecticidal smoke, sprays and powders.
