Question
Hello there,
For some time I have been seeing moths in my cupboard under the stairs which is used as a storage space for a wide variety of things; c.ds, bags, straw and hay for my pets, and upon inspection i have found an old violin case. I am wondering whether the 'source' of the infestation is due to the bow in my violin case as i've heard fabric pests like to attack animal fibres, and this bow is made from horse hair. However upon googling i've found that it is 'bow bugs' or 'carpet beetles' which attack the bows in violins and fiddles. However do you think the clothes moth can also do this? as that would explain why I am seeing them. I am really confused and can't get to the violin case to inspect it at the moment as there are many heavy items in the way and I am waiting for someone strong to help me! In the meantime it would help if you could offer me some facts on the clothes moths or just fabric pests in general. I have had experience with carpet beetles before and regularly saw them on linen and cotton curtains. The moths i have seen in the cupboard vary, some are silvery white, others have a white shoulder and the others look similar to the indian meal moth. What could be the possible SOURCE of this infestation?
Thank-you in advance.

Answer
Lisa,

Sounds like you may have more than one insect. The moths are almost certainly some type of clothes moth or meal moth, perhaps both. Clothes moths are usually secretive and avoid light whereas meal moths will fly around in full light. Clothes moths infest natural fabrics of animal origin like wool or hair whereas meal moths favor dry foods like grains or dry pet food (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/clothes_moth.html for a picture of a clothes moth and http://www.livingwithbugs.com/mealmoth.html for a picture of a meal moth).

Your best bet is to carefully clean the closet and look for the infestation. You could also put out some pheromone traps for the meal moths (see page cited above) then you would know for sure if it is this type of moth.

Sorry I can't be more specific.

Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com