Do Moths Bite? Here's What You Need to Know About These Mysterious Creatures!
Posted on 9th May 2025 by Pest Protect
Have you ever wondered whether those creatures called moths bite when they flutter past your face? The mere idea that something so small could pose a threat is quite frightening. The bottom line is that no, moths *do not* bite people. But the larvae do pose quite a risk to the items within your home. This article aims to break down the behavior of moths, myths surrounding them and equip the user with no-trouble tips to save their belongings from damage.
What Are Moths?
Sharing the scientific category of Lepidoptera with both butterflies, moths are a bit different than the latter. 'Butterflies are daytime insects, while moths are nocturnal, meaning they are more likely to be seen flying around light sources during the night.
As with all other species, moths also undergo a life cycle. This involves starting off as an egg, progressing into the larvae stage(pupa), forming a cocoon, and finally emerging into an adult moth. Surprisingly, the troublesome stage is the larvae rather than the adult.
Do Moths Bite Humans?
Moths do not bite humans, and this is a common misconception. It is easy to believe in this myth when you see them flying around, and personally, I found them to be harmless. The truth is that adult moths do not have mouthparts that allow them to bite or sting. Moths do not target blood; they rather feed on organic matter such as sap, nectar, or other substances.
Moths are primarily active at night, which possibly adds to the erroneous perception that an insect is flying around to bite them. However, without the anatomy that would enable the biting of a human, there is none. If you realize you are waking up with mysterious bites all over you, a moth is highly unlikely to be the reason.
The Real Culprit: Moth Larvae
As for adult moths, there is one thing for sure: they don't bite, bringing us to my next point. Not only do their larvae (which technically would be their most childish stage) cause havoc inside your house, but they are more devastating than adults. Moth larvae are gutsy and feed on natural oils found in clothes and pantry goods, so they can, and will, wreck clothes and carpets, costing a fortune.
You can find moth larvae infesting a range of stored food, grains, dried fruits similar to them, and pet food. But do not forget that they target the following:
Clothing: Their range of specialty includes wool and silk and extends to natural fibers.
Carpets: Wool carpets tend to decrease in quality over time, which is a two-edged sword. On the one hand, moth larvae benefit by destroying wool carpets and increasing their mileage.
Pantry Goods: Last but not least, pantry goods are often taken for granted, for they include all kinds of food, including dried fruit and pet food.
If you suspect that moths have infested your home and have noticed the carpet and clothes damaged, it might be time to inspect it thoroughly. Without control, these larvae can quickly develop and grow to their full potential. Doing so will be a pain, and recovering from the financial hit will be entirely different.
How to Spot a Moth Infestation in Your Home
To keep your home moth-free, act immediately when you notice moths, and the damage they inflict can be severe. How do you know if your home is already infested? Here is what to look out for:
Damage on Clothing and Textiles: Since moths consume natural fibres, the damage incurred can be minimal, such as tiny holes, stained fabric, and shredded loose ends easily identifiable.
Webbing and Cocoons: Silken webs can be found in kitchen zip ties and pans. Moths tend to lay their eggs in those places, and their larvae tend to eat dry food. The same goes for spaces where food is stashed.
Flying Adult Moths: If you start stalking running moths, especially close to food cupboards and clothes storage pans, this is a serious indicator of an infestation. Look out for them in places where food and clothes are stored.
The signs here indicate a serious concern; if left unattended, it will make the problem worse, so take precautions as soon as possible.
How to Prevent and Control Moth Infestations
Dealing with a severe infestation of moths is not ideal and would be better if prevented in the first place. Thankfully for all of us, there are effective techniques to keep these pests away. Presented below are a few tried and tested methods that will come in handy:
Store Clothes Properly: Moths love natural fibres, so store your wool, silk, and cotton clothes in sealed containers, airtight bags, or vacuum-seal them. This will help keep both adult moths and larvae away from your belongings.
Keep Your Pantry Sealed: Pantry moths are notorious for infesting grains, dried fruits, and other food items. Store food in tightly sealed containers, and regularly clean out your pantry to avoid attracting moths.
Vacuum Regularly: Moth larvae and eggs can often be found hiding in the corners of carpets, rugs, and closets. Regular vacuuming, especially around the edges of floors and carpets, can help remove larvae and prevent an infestation.
Use Natural Repellents: Cedarwood, lavender, and essential oils are natural moth repellents. Placing cedar blocks or lavender sachets in your closet or storage areas can deter moths and keep your clothes safe.
If you have a problem with moths, it is not the end of the world. If the problem is small enough, you can handle it yourself. In the case of bigger issues, it may be necessary to get the assistance of a professional pest control company.
Do Moths Cause Any Harm to People?
It's reasonable to ask whether any harm can come to humans from moths. The good news is that moths do not pose any danger to humans. Moths don't bite or sting; therefore, there is no physical threat. This means that moths do not damage you in any way.
On the other hand, it is much rarer to get an allergic reaction to moth scales or hairs. It is essential to know that those scales can sometimes irritate the skin. If you deal with moths or their larvae, it is safe to put on gloves and face masks.
How To Safely Handle Moths
For those needing to manage moths or moth larvae, it is essential to apply the following safety measures to prevent irritation:
Put On Gloves: This will cover your hands and shield them from possible allergens or irritants.
Any Protection Use Mask: When dealing with an extensive infestation, protecting your mouth will prevent you from breathing in moth scales or dust particles.
Gently Remove Moths: When trying to get moths out of your house, do your best to scoop them into a dustpan or vacuum them up gently instead of crushing them.
Conclusion
In summary, moths do not present a biting hazard to humans. The main problem is their larvae, which can seriously damage your furniture. Proper storage of clothing and pantry items, regular vacuuming, and natural moth repellents can help avert a moth infestation.
If you have a moth problem in your home, contact pest control services to help with the elimination. Remember that you can safeguard your home and belongings from unwanted moths with the proper preventative measures.
Frequently Asked Question
Do moths remain active during winter?
During the cold months, there is minimal activity when it comes to moths, also except for some species that may remain active during the winter season indoors (especially warm)
Is it true that moths can cause some form of tissue allergies?
Some people can suffer from some trivial allergy to the scales or hairs of a moth. Though uncommon, caution must be taken when dealing with moths.
How do you store clothes to ensure no moths get near them?
Storing clothes in clam-sealed containers, vacuum-sealed bags, or an airtight bin will go a long way in ensuring that moth larvae do not get to them.
Are cloth moths dangerous for humans?
Although cloth moths do not directly threaten humans, their larvae will damage wool, silk and other natural cloth if left unattended in closed places like boxes.
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