Clothes moths are small, pale gold to buff-colored moths, generally about a third to half an inch long, with a somewhat shiny, featureless look to their wings compared to the patterned moths people often see fluttering around outdoor lights. Unlike outdoor moths, clothes moths avoid light and are rarely seen flying openly in a room; instead, they scurry into dark closets and drawers when disturbed. As with carpet beetles, it’s the larvae — small, cream-colored, worm-like caterpillars — that actually cause fabric damage, not the adult moths.
In Southern California homes, clothes moths are typically found in dark, undisturbed storage spaces: closets, garment bags, cedar chests, storage boxes, and seldom-used drawers. They’re drawn specifically to animal-based fibers like wool, cashmere, fur, and feathers, which is why homeowners in Glendale, San Gabriel Valley, and other established LA and Orange County neighborhoods often discover damage in stored winter clothing, wool rugs, or heirloom textiles that haven’t been used in months. The larvae often spin silk feeding tunnels or patches of webbing on the fabric surface, which is a helpful clue that distinguishes their damage from carpet beetle activity.
The primary concern with clothes moths is fabric and textile damage rather than a direct health risk. Larvae chew irregular holes in wool sweaters, suits, rugs, and upholstery, and because they prefer soiled or perspiration-stained fabric, items stored without cleaning are especially vulnerable. Left unaddressed, an infestation can spread from one damaged garment to an entire closet of stored clothing and linens over time.
Guarantee Pest Control has helped Los Angeles and Orange County households protect their wool clothing, rugs, and heirloom fabrics from clothes moths since 1958. Our technicians know where these moths hide — deep in closets, storage bins, and folded fabrics — and will inspect thoroughly before recommending an effective treatment plan tailored to your home, with eco-friendly Guarantee Green options available. We offer free estimates, no-penalty cancellation, and a 3-month guarantee on most services. If you’ve noticed small holes in stored clothing or silky patches of webbing on fabric, call 1-800-507-3787 or request a free estimate at /get-a-quote/ before more of your wardrobe is affected.