It turns out this is the identity of the culprit behind the strange tiny bags on our walls

Have you ever wondered about that strange little pouch stuck on the wall? Today, we will find out the answer.

Take a look around your home. Do you spot this tiny little pouch on the wall?

Surely everyone has seen this pouch on their home wall, right?

It may look like a clump of dust, but it is actually a type of insect. This is the cocoon of the clothes moth, scientifically known as Tineola bisselliella. Although it appears harmless, this species can actually cause quite a bit of trouble for us.

First, let’s take a quick look at the life cycle of the clothes moth.

(Image by Billy Cipher)

It all starts when the female moth lays her eggs. Each time she reproduces, she can lay between 100 to 400 tiny eggs, each about 0.5mm in size. Depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment, the eggs will hatch after 4 to 10 days, becoming larvae that resemble small caterpillars.

This is also the stage when they become the most destructive, as their food source consists of fabric fibers from our towels, carpets, and clothing.

Have you ever noticed sudden holes appearing in your clothes? Yes, that’s the work of the clothes moth.

The clothes moth absorbs water by feeding on tiny water particles in the air.

Clothes moths cannot drink water in a conventional way; instead, they absorb moisture by feeding on tiny water particles in the air. Therefore, they prefer damp environments and are particularly attracted to food, drink, or sweat stains on clothing.

Once the larvae have grown sufficiently and encounter suitable temperature conditions, they will begin to spin cocoons for shelter, preparing for their grand “comeback” – transforming into adult moths. We usually notice clothes moths when they reach this stage, as they are no longer busy searching for food.

Being a species of moth with extremely small eggs, and camouflaged by an oval shell that is usually gray or dark brown, they can only be seen if you are extremely observant and attentive.

However, these insects thrive in moist and dark places, which become their breeding grounds to multiply and increase in number.

Following this stage, the larvae grow wings, leave their cocoons, and start their new life – some places refer to them as the adult moths. While they may cause itching, at this stage, they are not harmful and no longer feed on fabric fibers.

However, they are the future parents of the clothes moth larvae, so be sure to eliminate them if you can.

At this stage, they are no longer busy searching for food.

If they are harmful, how can we get rid of them?

Actually, in many cases, a small number of clothes moths do not cause significant damage, so we do not need to worry too much, aside from the possibility of itching if the cocoons come into contact with our skin. However, there is no reason we shouldn’t eliminate this “pest” due to the damage they can cause to our homes and belongings.

To get rid of these “annoying” insects and keep your home and wardrobe clean and undamaged, regular cleaning and tidying up of your living space, bedding, and linens is essential. Avoid keeping your home damp and dark, as these conditions allow them to hide and proliferate.

Your wardrobe should be placed in a clean, airy location, avoiding damp areas. You may also want to choose a fragrant wooden wardrobe that is insect-resistant or use scented wax or moisture-absorbing packets for fabrics, placing them inside the wardrobe to minimize the presence of clothes moths.

Avoid creating damp places, as they provide conditions for moths to thrive.

Additionally, clothes should be washed and dried thoroughly after wearing before being placed in the wardrobe to prevent dirty or damp clothes from becoming a “nest” for the moths.

Regularly check and clean your wardrobe if you notice small holes in your clothes. With these preventive measures, your home and wardrobe will always remain clean, free from harmful insects like clothes moths.