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Pest guide

Brown house moth

Hofmannophila pseudospretella

Do you need a pest-control professional?

It depends

Whether professional treatment is needed depends on the extent and circumstances. Possible response: Moisture control, cleaning and treatment as needed.

Potential harm

Larvae feed on wool, feathers, grain and book bindings

What to expect

Possible response: Moisture control, cleaning and treatment as needed. If you are unsure of the species, call and describe what you found before deciding what to do.

Not sure? Call and describe it. Identification by phone is free.

Illustration: Brown house moth (Hofmannophila pseudospretella), whole animal on a light background.
Hofmannophila pseudospretella (Brown house moth)Based on a photo by: Erling Ólafsson, Náttúrufræðistofnun Íslands

About this species

This entry covers Brown house moth (Hofmannophila pseudospretella). Typical location: Damp, dark areas. Potential harm: Larvae feed on wool, feathers, grain and book bindings. Possible response: Moisture control, cleaning and treatment as needed.

Facts

Latin name
Hofmannophila pseudospretella
English name
Brown house moth
Preferred conditions
Damp, dark areas
Life cycle
Development from egg to moth takes several months, depending on temperature and humidity

Response and treatment

Moisture control, cleaning and treatment as needed

Treatment depends on the species, extent and circumstances. Products are not always needed. Any products used are permitted for the intended use in Iceland. Follow their instructions and the pest-control professional’s guidance.

Do you have an unwelcome visitor?

Call and describe it. Advice is free, and one phone call often solves the problem.