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Why do moths eat clothes? |
by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author
Moth Mania!
Here are some cool facts about moths!
There are about 200,000 species of moths in the world that we know of. It’s also very possible that there are even more that aren’t yet identified!
Moths use their antennae to smell. The Cecropia moth uses its antennae to smell a mate up to seven miles away!
A lot of moths are active mostly at night. These moths find their way around using the night stars!
Have you ever helped the grown-ups in your family put away sweaters at the end of winter, and heard them talking about mothballs to help keep moths from eating your clothes?? Why do moths eat clothes?! Don't they have anything else they can eat?
Not all moths “eat clothes,” but there are certain kinds of moths who are known for snacking on keratin, which is a protein found in clothes made from animal-based materials like wool, fur, silk, leather, or feathers. However, it’s not actually the adult moths who do the eating of these fabrics – it’s actually the hungry baby larvae. (Adult female clothes moths intentionally lay their eggs on fabrics that their young larvae will want to eat when they hatch!)
Clothing moths probably aren't something you need to worry about. If they're a problem in your house, the grown-ups will take care of them using special cleaning methods or products that help keep them away. Because clothing moths don't like light, it's unlikely that you'll ever even see one. They mostly live in dark places like basements or closets – the moths you usually see are different kinds of moths who won't damage your clothing!
Not all moths “eat clothes,” but there are certain kinds of moths who are known for snacking on keratin, which is a protein found in clothes made from animal-based materials like wool, fur, silk, leather, or feathers. However, it’s not actually the adult moths who do the eating of these fabrics – it’s actually the hungry baby larvae. (Adult female clothes moths intentionally lay their eggs on fabrics that their young larvae will want to eat when they hatch!)
Clothing moths probably aren't something you need to worry about. If they're a problem in your house, the grown-ups will take care of them using special cleaning methods or products that help keep them away. Because clothing moths don't like light, it's unlikely that you'll ever even see one. They mostly live in dark places like basements or closets – the moths you usually see are different kinds of moths who won't damage your clothing!
Moth Mania!
Here are some cool facts about moths!
There are about 200,000 species of moths in the world that we know of. It’s also very possible that there are even more that aren’t yet identified!
Moths use their antennae to smell. The Cecropia moth uses its antennae to smell a mate up to seven miles away!
A lot of moths are active mostly at night. These moths find their way around using the night stars!
