Insect identifier · Often confused insects
How to identify a Clothes moth
Tineola bisselliella
· Also called webbing clothes moth, clothing moth
People search “clothes moth” because it looks like something that bites. Clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) does not bite or sting people. Also called webbing clothes moth, clothing moth.
Holes in a sweater plus a tiny gold moth is clothes moths, not bed bugs.
What does a clothes moth look like?
Clothes moth is Small, about 6–8 mm. Colors: gold, tan. Marks: Small gold moth; Avoids light; Holes in wool; No bite.
Clothes moth is Small, about 6–8 mm. Colors: gold, tan. Marks: Small gold moth; Avoids light; Holes in wool; No bite.
Identification marks
- Small gold moth
- Avoids light
- Holes in wool
- No bite
Size: Small, about 6–8 mm
Colors: gold, tan
Where: indoor
Clothes moth vs Varied carpet beetle
Gold moth in a dark closet = clothes moth. Fuzzy carrot larva = carpet beetle, which can itch.
- Varied carpet beetle identification (Anthrenus verbasci)
- Caddisfly identification (Trichoptera)
- Indian meal moth identification (Plodia interpunctella)
- Drain fly identification (Psychodidae)
Range and season
Active year-round indoors. Places: closet, house. Eats wool and hair. Does not bite. Larvae make the holes; adults are weak gold moths.
Closets with wool and hair.
Eats wool and hair. Does not bite. Larvae make the holes; adults are weak gold moths.
Year-round indoors
Common questions
Do clothes moths bite?
No. Larvae eat fabric, not skin.
Clothes moth vs carpet beetle?
Both damage wool. Carpet beetle larvae are fuzzy and can itch skin. Clothes moths do not.