Because Laying Poison Is Only Half The Battle!
Are you wondering what do moths eat? You are at the right place! Moths eat various things depending on their life stage. They feed on leaves, flowers, and natural fibers like wool, while adult moths mostly consume nectar, fruit, and sap from plants. There is much more to moth’s diet than just these food sources; get to know all of this in this blog.
What Is A Moth?
Moths and butterflies are insects that together form the biological order called Lepidoptera. Moths vary greatly in appearance as well as size. For example, the big hawk-moths have narrow, swept-back wings for fast, powerful flight, while the plume moths have delicate, feathery wings.
Some female moths have wings that are so short that they’re more like little nubs, and they don’t fly at all! Moths can also come in all sorts of colours and patterns – some are very bright and bold, while others have wonderful camouflage, which helps them blend into their surroundings and avoid predators. Their diversity is one of the many things that make them fascinating.
How Many Species of Moth Are There in the UK?
There are around 2,500 species of moths in the UK, with more establishing every decade as they migrate across from continental Europe. Worldwide, there are thought to be around 160,000 species of moths!
As there are so many species of moths, experts split them into two groups: the larger moths and the smaller moths. There are around 900 macro-moths in Britain. Many micro-moths are very small indeed, although confusingly, a few of them are larger than the smallest macro-moths.
Are Moths Nocturnal?
While most moth species are nocturnal and fly at night, there are more species of day-flying moths in the UK than there are butterflies. Some of these moths are incredibly colourful, like the Cinnabar and the Scarlet Tiger, and they might even be mistaken for butterflies by those unfamiliar with them.
What Do Moths Eat?
There are various types of moths. If you are still wondering what do moths eat or what do hawk moth caterpillars eat, keep reading! What moths eat and drink varies depending on what stage of their life cycle they’re in. Caterpillars, which are the larval stage of moths, can feed on a wide range of materials.
Some caterpillars are very particular, feeding only on specific plants, while others might eat leaves, flowers, stems, and even roots. Some species will feast on fungi and lichens, and interestingly, certain moth caterpillars make unexpected homes in places like graveyards!
Some caterpillars are even known to eat other caterpillars. A good example is the Dunbar moth, which will munch on other caterpillars if given the chance.
What Do Clothes Moths Eat?
It’s also worth mentioning that some moth caterpillars can feed on fabric, but this only occurs with a few species, and those species are not commonly found in households. Of these, the Common Clothes Moth and Brown House Moth are the most notorious fabric feeders. These caterpillars prefer natural animal fibres, such as wool, fur, hair, and feathers.
Interestingly, common clothes moth caterpillars are particularly drawn to soiled wool – not clean and properly stored wool. This is why moth infestations tend to happen in closets where clothes aren’t regularly cleaned or aired out.
What Do Adult Moths Eat?
Adult moths tend to feed on nectar from flowers, fruit, or sap. Their feeding habits can vary from species to species, depending on what’s available. Some adult moths are even known to feed on tree sap or fermenting fruit. However, it’s important to note that not all adult moths eat.
Some moth species don’t have mouthparts at all and are unable to feed. These moths usually have a very short adult lifespan, living just long enough to mate and lay eggs before they die. Their entire focus is on reproduction rather than sustenance.
Moth Pest Control
Moth infestations, especially those caused by Common Clothes Moths, can be a nuisance and require immediate need to call moth pest control services. These pests not only cause damage to your wardrobe but can also leave behind eggs and larvae in hidden areas, making them difficult to detect until significant damage has already occurred. Fortunately, there are a few strategies you can employ to protect your home:
- Regular Cleaning: The most effective way to avoid moths is to clean your home, especially areas where clothes, fabrics, and carpets are stored. Make sure to vacuum frequently to remove larvae and eggs.
- Proper Storage: Store clothing in airtight containers or garment bags to prevent moths from getting to them. Consider using cedarwood, which is known to deter moths.
- Moth Traps: There are commercially available moth traps that can help reduce adult moths. These traps use pheromones to attract and capture male moths.
- Professional Pest Control: If you find yourself dealing with a heavy infestation, you may want to consult with a professional pest control service. They can help address the problem more effectively and ensure the issue doesn’t return.
Signs of Carpet Moths
If you suspect that you have a moth infestation, look for the following signs of carpet moths:
- Small holes or irregular damage to clothing, carpets, or fabrics
- Presence of moth larvae or caterpillars
- Adult moths flying around, especially in the evening
- Presence of silk-like threads or cocoons attached to fabrics or furniture
How to Get Rid of Moths
To deal with a moth problem effectively, here are the steps to answer how to get rid of moths:
- Wash and Clean: Launder all affected fabrics using hot water (where possible) to kill any eggs or larvae.
- Vacuum Thoroughly: Pay special attention to corners, cracks, and hidden areas where moth larvae may have been feeding.
- Use Moth Traps: These traps can help reduce the adult moth population in your home.
- Store Clothes Properly: Use moth-proof storage bags for seasonal clothes and ensure they’re clean before storing.
- Professional Help: If you find an infestation difficult to control, a pest control expert can provide more advanced solutions.
FAQs
What do UK house moths eat?
In the UK, Common Clothes Moths and Brown House Moths are the primary moth species that can infest homes. These moths are attracted to natural fibres, such as wool, silk, and fur, which contain keratin – a protein that the larvae feed on. It’s not the adult moths that cause the damage, but the larvae (caterpillars), which feed on the fibers to grow. They are especially fond of soiled or dirty fabrics, which is why it’s crucial to clean and store clothes properly to prevent infestations. Other household items like carpets, curtains, upholstery, and even stored bedding can fall prey to moth larvae.
Do moths eat 100% cotton?
Moths generally do not prefer 100% cotton since it is a plant-based fiber and does not contain keratin, the protein that moth larvae prefer. However, cotton fabric can still attract moths under certain conditions. If cotton is soiled with food stains, sweat, or other organic residues, it might become more appealing to moth larvae. Cotton is far less likely to be consumed compared to wool, silk, or fur, but moth larvae might nibble on it if it contains enough organic matter to make it worthwhile.
