What Do Common Clothes Moths Eat?

Common Clothes Moths, also known as Tineola bisselliella, primarily feed on natural fibers found in clothing and other household items.

• Wool: This is a favored food source for clothes moths. They consume woolen items like sweaters, blankets, and carpets.
• Fur: Clothes moths can eat and damage fur items, including coats and decorative pieces.
• Feathers: They feed on items like feathered hats, pillows or duvets.
• Silk: Clothes moths can consume silk clothing and decorations.
• Leather: They can also feed on leather goods, causing significant damage over time.
• Natural fibers in carpets and upholstery: They often consume natural fibers found in carpets and upholstery, including cotton and linen.

How do Common Clothes Moths Eat?

Common clothes moths, particularly their larvae, eat by consuming natural fibers found in clothing, carpets, and upholstery. They specifically target materials such as wool, silk, fur, and feathers.

• Larvae hatch from eggs and start feeding on available materials.
• They produce enzymes to break down keratin, a protein in natural fibers.
• The digested keratin provides necessary nutrients for their growth and development.

What do Common Clothes Moths Drink?

Common Clothes Moths, scientifically known as Tineola bisselliella, are insects that primarily feed on natural fibers in your clothing. They are particularly drawn to items soiled with body oils or food stains.

As for their drinking habits, they primarily consume:

• Water: This is the most common drink for clothes moths, usually absorbed from the environment.
• Nectar: Adult moths may occasionally sip nectar from flowers, although it's not their primary food source.

FAQs about Common Clothes Moths

1. How often do Common Clothes Moths eat?

Common Clothes Moths eat constantly while they are larvae, which is the stage when they cause damage to clothing.

2. How long can a Common Clothes Moths live without eating?

An adult Common Clothes Moth can live up to 30 days without eating.

3. What do Larvae Common Clothes Moths eat?

Larvae of Common Clothes Moths primarily eat natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, and feathers.