WSU Extension

Pestsense

Whiteshouldered house moth

(revision date: 7/14/2015)


Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful pest management.

Biology
The whiteshouldered house moth is occasionally found in household products. The adults are quite distinctive, having grayish-white wings with dark spots and a “shoulder” area that is bright white. This white shoulder becomes less pronounced as the adult ages. Adults have a wingspan of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Larvae are white with brown heads and are about 1/3 inch long at maturity. Larvae feed on grain products, wool or other protein-based clothing or carpets, corks, dry seeds, fungi on trees, on rubbish in bird nests, and on other foodstuffs or organic debris which has accumulated.
Management Options

Non-Chemical Management
  • Find the source of the infestation and dispose of it.
  • Physically destroy the larvae and pupae before they become reproductive adults. Adults can be eliminated with devices like fly swatters.
  • Maintain food in tightly-sealed containers to keep pests out.
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides

None recommended.

Images
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Caption: Whiteshouldered house moth adult
Photo by: Art Antonelli