Brown house moth

The brown house moth originated in Asia but is now found worldwide. Commonly seen in the summer months, these moths have brown spotted wings with a wingspan of 15-26 millimeters. They feed on pantry items as well as clothing and textiles.

Codling moth

The codling moth is small, usually around 1/2 inch in length. Their bodies are usually gray with bands of white, and they have copper-colored wings. Codling moths are mostly nocturnal, so it’s rare to see an active adult codling moth during the day. Their larvae are usually found in fruits such as apples and pears.

Moths aren't picky when it comes to habitat. However, they do require certain conditions to live. For example, there must be enough plants to feed on, especially for caterpillars. Because they love vegetation, you may find moths living in your garden. Many plants that attract butterflies also attract moths.

Pantry moths are found worldwide. They are seen in kitchens, pantries, grocery stores, and other places where food is stored. They infest food and lay their eggs on and around the food source. They also contaminate food products.

Many moths are also attracted to light and may often enter other rooms in your house. New research offers insights into why moths seem to go toward artificial lights. The reason may be that the light source confuses the insect into thinking it's the sky's light, which usually helps them know which way is up. In one recent study, researchers found that insects tilt their backs toward artificial light, and this disorients them while flying, affecting their ability to steer themselves away from the light. They end up stuck circling artificial lights like those around your home.

Signs of moths in your house may vary depending on the moth species.

Moths in pantry

Food- and grain-infesting moths can be frequently seen flying around the house, especially around food sources. They usually fly in a direct and steady manner. If you find tiny moths fluttering in your pantry or resting on shelves, you might have pantry moths. You may also see small wormlike larvae crawling on stored food and the ceilings or walls of your home. It indicates that your house may be infested with pantry moths.