Types of Moths in Tennessee: Identification Guide
Moths in Tennessee Homes: Quick Facts
Most moths you see are harmless visitors drawn to lights. Two kinds cause real problems indoors: pantry moths, which infest dry food, and clothes moths, which eat wool and other natural fibers. In both cases, the larvae do the damage, not the adults.- Pantry moths: Indian meal moths, found in flour, grains, nuts, cereal, dried fruit, pet food, and birdseed
- Clothes moths: Webbing and casemaking clothes moths, found in wool, silk, fur, and feathers
- Outdoor moths: Attracted to porch lights; they don’t infest homes
Pantry Moths (Indian Meal Moths)
The most common pantry pest in Tennessee kitchens.- Adults: About 1/2 inch, with wings that are pale gray near the body and coppery-bronze toward the tips
- Larvae: Cream-colored caterpillars that crawl up walls and across ceilings to pupate
- Signs: Silky webbing and clumps in food, moths fluttering in the kitchen, and caterpillars on walls or ceilings
Pantry moths often share the pantry with other pests. See our weevil and pantry pest guide.
Clothes Moths
Clothes moths avoid light, so you rarely see them flying around the room.- Adults: Small, about 1/4 inch, golden or buff-colored, and weak fliers
- Larvae: Small white caterpillars that eat wool, cashmere, silk, fur, feathers, and felt, especially items stained with sweat or food
- Signs: Irregular holes in clothing, silky webbing or small cases on fabric, and damage in dark, undisturbed spots
Carpet beetles cause similar damage; see our carpet beetle guide.
How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths
- Find and discard infested food: Check everything dry, including spices, pet food, and birdseed.
- Clean thoroughly: Vacuum shelves, corners, and cracks, then wipe with soapy water.
- Store food sealed: Use airtight glass, metal, or thick plastic containers.
- Freeze new dry goods: Several days in the freezer kills eggs.
- Use pheromone traps: Traps catch males and help you monitor, but they won’t eliminate an infestation alone.
How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths
- Clean affected items: Wash in hot water, dry clean, or freeze for several days.
- Vacuum closets: Including floors, corners, and shelves.
- Store clean: Store wool and other natural fibers clean, in sealed containers or garment bags.
- Don’t rely on cedar: Cedar and mothballs have limited effect; mothballs can also be hazardous.
When to Call a Professional
If moths keep returning after a thorough cleanout, a technician can help find hidden sources and treat. See our quarterly pest control or schedule a free inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the small moths in my kitchen?
They’re most likely Indian meal moths, which infest flour, grains, nuts, cereal, pet food, and birdseed.
How do I get rid of pantry moths?
Find and discard infested food, clean shelves thoroughly, store food in airtight containers, and freeze new dry goods for several days.
What’s making holes in my sweaters?
Clothes moth larvae or carpet beetle larvae, which both eat wool and other natural fibers.
Do mothballs work?
They have limited effect and can be hazardous. Clean storage in sealed containers works better.
Why are there caterpillars on my ceiling?
Pantry moth larvae crawl away from food to pupate, often onto walls and ceilings.
