Pest Gallery

Moths: Lepidoptera

Moths are a troublesome pest because of their ability to digest and utilize keratin as an energy source. Keratin is the chief protein constituent of such human tissues as hair, fingernails, and skin. Keratin is a protein which is quite stable chemically and is very resistant to most means of digestion. Few animals are able to digest keratin, coupled with our widespread use of wool and other animal hair, is the basis of fabric pest problems in our societies.

There are other insects capable of damaging fabrics by chewing or shredding, but they do not have the ability to digest keratin. Silverfish, cockroaches, crickets, and earwigs fall into this category.

Click here to learn more about specific moths:

• Clothes Moths
• Meal Moths