Biology, behaviour and environmentally sustainable control of Tineola bisselliella (Hummel) (Lepidoptera: Tineidae)

This review summarises the information available on the biology, behaviour and economic significance of the common or webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella (Hummel), currently the most important and widespread clothes moth pest throughout the world. These moths can cause the loss of irreplacable material of aesthetic, historic and scientific importance, as well as damaging every-day items such as clothes, furnishings and other materials prepared from animal fur, wool, feathers and hides. Methods for the detection and control of this pest are outlined, with particular emphasis on control strategies that are environmentally sustainable and avoid the use of conventional pesticides and fumigants. Improvements in storage coupled with targeted use of appropriate control measures will help to reduce pest populations. However, the continuing problems with this pest highlight the need for improved methods of detection, prevention and management.