A widespread species that is a member of the same subspecies as the brown house moth is the white-shouldered house moth. Due to the white-shouldered house moth’s tight ties to human habitats, which produce an abundance of food sources, it is now widespread worldwide.
In this article, we’ll learn all about white-shouldered house moths, how to identify them, their life cycle, and tips on how to get rid of them.
About the White-Shouldered House Moth
Endrosis sarcitrella is the scientific name for the white-shouldered house moth, a member of the Lepidoptera order. This order, which has more than 150,000 species worldwide, may be clearly distinguished from other moths due to the microscopic scales that coat the adult moths’ wings and bodies.
The white-shouldered house moth is drawn to light sources, unlike the webbing clothes moth and carpet moth. Because of its continuous year-round reproductive cycle, it can be found in homes, outbuildings, and industrial settings where dried food sources like grain may be present.
However, since bird nests are their preferred habitat, there is a higher chance that they may enter a residence and cause havoc if a nest is close by.
These moths consume various nutrients, including grain, bran, flour, and other grains, in addition to wool and other textiles made from other animals. If there are any nearby bird nests, it would be an especially favorable atmosphere for them to enter the house.
Because of this, the white-shouldered house moth poses a risk to food that has been stored, similar to the pantry moths, as well as to clothing and carpets, especially during periods of high humidity.
The larvae, which resemble other house moths and are petite, creamy white caterpillars, spin little cases that they use as places to “shelter,” much like the clothes moths and carpet moths.
White-Shouldered House Moth Identification
The white-shouldered house moth has fine hairs on the tips of its wings and is a pale golden brown color with tiny dark markings. Its wingspan ranges from 0.59 to 0.98 inches. Despite having small distinctions like a white head and shoulders, they are frequently mistaken for a brown house moth.
Their pupae are light brown in color and encased in a silky cocoon, and their larvae grow to a length of 0.59 inches. They are linked to subpar hygiene standards and are frequently seen in places with plenty of food, such as households or restaurants. They can damage clothes and furniture, and bird nests are their preferred home.
To learn more about the different types of moths in our House Moth Identification.
White-Shouldered House Moth Life Cycle
After mating, the adult female white-shouldered house moth lays up to 200 eggs close to a suitable food supply. The eggs hatch in one to two weeks, and the larvae begin to feed right away throughout their larval stage. They feed at night and hide during the day.
The larvae migrate to silk tunnels built in the food particles after they are completely developed, which takes between 1 and 5 months. Compared to other moths of a similar species, adults often survive for less than 3 weeks.
Visit our Moth Life Cycle & Pantry Moth Life Cycle guides to learn more!
How to Get Rid of White-shouldered House Moth
White-shouldered house moth control is fairly similar to other house moth species control. First, a vacuum should be used to completely clean the space, including any carpets, wardrobes, or drawers. Frequently inspecting stored textiles, clothing, and blankets is necessary. If an infestation is discovered, the majority of natural alternatives or moth-killing deterrents will get rid of them.
There are several natural ways to get rid of these moths if they already are in your house:
- Putting dried lavender in sachets and placing them in the troublesome area
- Put cotton balls soaked in fragrant oils in boxes, drawers, and closets
- Clothing should be kept in cedar-lined chests of drawers
- Place sachets containing a blend of rosemary, thyme, and cloves in troublesome areas
You must periodically inspect the interiors of cabinets, pantries, and larders to keep them from returning. Additionally, keeping open packets of dried food in closed containers will deter them from entering the house.
Learn more about How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths, How to Get Rid of Carpet Moths, and How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths in our guides!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why are there white moths in my house?
For a variety of causes, white moths infiltrate homes. Moths occasionally fly into houses in search of somewhere to hide or remain dry. A moth, for instance, could look for a quiet, warm location to hunker down if the weather is harsh. In other instances, moths enter dwellings in search of a location to lay their eggs. Everything is based on the type of moth. White Shouldered House Moths are drawn to light unlike Clothes Moths. As a result, they gravitate toward locations with lots of light. Similar to Pantry Moths, White Shouldered House Moths can consume exposed food that has been stored as well as textiles made of animal fibers, like wool. They may even lay their eggs close to a food source.
How long do white moths live in a house?
If your home is infested with moths, it can persist until you issue an eviction notice. That is to say, some moths can dwell in homes for several years, ensuring an endless supply of the following generation. Therefore, you must take action if you have a moth infestation and want it to disappear. In light of this, you shouldn’t be concerned if a single white moth inadvertently entered your house because it will probably only survive for a day or two. Simply shoo it back outside.
Can a white moth bite you?
Most adult moths are unable to bite anything, much less you, because they lack mouths. They generally don’t sting either.
What types of moths are white?
Moths occur in a wide range of hues, and different species may be entirely or primarily white or a faint, translucent whitish hue. Some harmless species of white moths can be mistaken for pest moths. The grass moth, miller moth, pepper moth, and satin moth are a few examples. The white-shouldered house moth, on the other hand, is a completely distinct species and can cause damage in your house. The tops of this moth’s wings close to its head are white. Its behavior is comparable to that of the pantry moth, therefore you should get rid of it soon once to protect your dry goods.
