© 2026 Rentokil Initial plc and subject to the conditions in the Legal Statement.
Get in Touch
Contact an Expert
Signs of Moths
What to look out for when moths are in your property
Common Moth Species
Moths may look small and harmless but they can cause surprising amounts of damage to your clothing and textiles and stored products in general.
In Barbados there are four species of moth in particular, which can cause problems in your home or business.
Item 1 of 1
Brown House Moth
(Hofmannophila pseudospretella)
It is very common to see Brown House moths in your home.
Appearance
- Adult — 8–14 mm long.
- Brown in colour with three or four darker spots.
- Larva — up to 20 mm long.
- Larvae feed on animal textiles like wool, leather and feathers.
Lifecycle
- Normally one generation per year.
Habits
- Larva may wander considerable distances prior to pupation.
- Generally regarded as a scavenger.
Item 1 of 1
Common Clothes Moth
(Tineola bisselliella)
The Common Clothes Moth larvae is responsible for making irregular holes in fabrics.
Appearance
- Adult — 6 – 8 mm long.
- Straw coloured wings with no markings.
- Trailing edge of the wings is strongly fringed.
- Larvae — up to 10 mm long. Creamy white with a brown head.
Lifecycle
- Egg to adult is usually about 6 weeks. May reach 10 to 18 months if the food is poor or temperatures are cold.
Habits
- Adult does not feed. Runs rather than flies, avoids the light.
Item 1 of 1
Case-bearing Clothes Moth
(Tineo pellionella)
Appearance
- Approx. 7-10 mm long.
- Forewings are silvery-buff with 3 dark spots.
Lifecycle
- Lifecycle completion usually takes 3-8 months.
- Larva up to 10 mm long when full grown.
- Creamy white with dark head.
- Usually protected in case made of silk and fibres of feeding material.
Habits
- Can do extensive damage to woollens, felts, upholstered furniture, clothes, etc.
Item 1 of 1
White-Shouldered House Moth
(Endrosis sarcitrella)
White-Shouldered House moths are generally less damaging to textiles.
Appearance
- Adult — 6 to 10mm long.
- White head with mottled wings.
- Larvae— up to 12 mm long. Cream coloured larvae with red-brown head.
- Pupa — in a silk cocoon.
Lifecycle
- Normally one generation per year.
Habits
- Often found in unheated outdoor buildings.
- Larvae scavenge on a wide range of foods.
Preventing Moths
Practical advice to prevent moths taking over