Plank Termite & Pest Control
Pest ID: Paper and Fabric Pests
Damage You Can’t Always See
Paper & Fabric Pest Identification Services in Rolla and Central Missouri
Holes in fabric or damage to stored paper can have several causes. Look for insects, shed skins, cases or webbing and compare the examples below. This guide includes fabric pests and other household insects that may be confused with them; pantry moths and flour beetles belong with stored-food pests. Plank Termite & Pest Control can help assess activity in Rolla and Central Missouri and explain appropriate service options.
Paper/Fabric Pest Identification
Black Carpet Beetle
- Size: 1/8 to 3/16 inch
- Appearance: Oval-shaped, black or very dark brown with short legs and antennae
- Where Found: Under carpets, in wool clothing, furniture stuffing, or baseboards
- Evidence: Irregular holes in fabric, shed skins, larvae in corners
- Behavior: Larvae feed on natural fibers; adults may be found near windows
- Inspection Tip: Look for larvae in hidden areas like under rugs or behind furniture
Case-Making Clothes Moth
- Size: ⅜ inch
- Appearance: Buff-colored body, fringed wings, larvae live in portable silk cases
- Where Found: Closets, drawers, and stored clothing made of wool, fur, or silk
- Evidence: Holes in garments, silk cases stuck to fabrics
- Behavior: Females lay eggs on natural fibers; larvae consume keratin-based materials
- Inspection Tip: Check garment folds and seams for larval cases or droppings
Furniture Carpet Beetle
- Size: 1/16 to 1/8 inch
- Appearance: Oval, with mottled pattern of white, yellow, and black scales
- Where Found: Upholstered furniture, drapes, stored clothing
- Evidence: Shed skins, tiny fecal pellets, or bald patches in fabric
- Behavior: Larvae feed on feathers, wool, and animal-based materials
- Inspection Tip: Use a flashlight to inspect under cushions or around seams
Foreign Grain Beetle
- Size: 1/16 inch
- Appearance: Small reddish-brown beetle with ridged thorax
- Where Found: Stored food products, book bindings, damp paper
- Evidence: Beetles crawling on books, grains, or wallpaper
- Behavior: Feed on moldy or deteriorating organic material
- Inspection Tip: Inspect damp cardboard, stacks of books, or flour bins
Indianmeal Moth
- Size: ½ inch
- Appearance: Reddish-brown wings with coppery tips
- Where Found: Pantry, dry goods, food storage
- Evidence: Webbing in food packages; larvae crawling in containers
- Behavior: Lay eggs in grains, cereal, nuts, and dried fruit
Red Flour Beetle
- Appearance: Small reddish-brown beetle, about ⅛ inch long.
- Where found: Stored dry foods such as flour and cereal products.
- Evidence: Beetles or larvae associated with a food package.
- Identification note: This is a pantry pest, not a cricket. Compare the stored product pest guide.
Silverfish
- Size: ½ to ¾ inch
- Appearance: Silvery-gray, teardrop-shaped, with antennae and three tail bristles
- Where Found: Bookshelves, bathrooms, basements
- Evidence: Paper damage, yellow stains, cast skins
- Behavior: Thrive in humidity and feed on paper, glue, and starch
Webbing Clothes Moth
- Size: ½ inch wingspan
- Appearance: Pale yellow to tan, narrow wings fringed with hairs
- Where Found: Closets, wool storage bins, antique fabrics
- Evidence: Silken webbing in corners of drawers or clinging to clothes
- Behavior: Larvae cause damage while feeding; adults avoid light
- Inspection Tip: Look for small cocoons or live larvae in folds and seams
Fabric Pests Are Sneaky But We’re Not
Call (573) 368-3333 to discuss identification and service options for paper and fabric pests in Central Missouri.
What to Do About Paper & Fabric Pests
Stop the Damage Before It Starts
Early action is the key to protecting your belongings from fabric and paper pests:
- Clean and vacuum infested areas thoroughly
- Discard heavily infested or damaged items
- Store wool, fur, and cotton in sealed containers
- Lower humidity in closets and basements
- Inspect secondhand furniture and clothing before bringing it inside
- Schedule a pest inspection if signs return after cleaning
Persistent activity deserves closer inspection. Before treating or discarding valuable textiles, consider the material and its care instructions.
FAQs About Fabric-Damaging Pests
Do holes alone confirm pest damage?
No. Look for insects, larvae, shed skins or other evidence and have the cause assessed.
Are pantry moths the same as clothes moths?
No. Use the identification examples and our pantry pest guide to compare the insects and affected materials.
What should I do before service?
Note the affected items and locations. Follow fabric care instructions and ask about appropriate cleaning and storage.
Does every problem require treatment?
Recommendations depend on identification and the extent of activity. We will explain maintenance, treatment and follow-up options.
Your Belongings Deserve to Be Protected
We will explain the findings and proposed service before work begins. Call (573) 368-3333 or use the contact options below to discuss your concerns.
Brian Molloy
I’ve been using Plank Pest Control for a couple of years now. My experience with them has been not only positive and professional but pleasant as well. I’ve known the Plank family since childhood and seeing the second generation of them do what they do best makes me very grateful for my acquaintance with the company. Not only do they get rid of all the creepy crawlers they make sure to answer any and all questions I might have regarding the job they’ve done.
Dorothy Hand
Termite inspection, Termite extermination, Cockroach extermination, General wildlife removal
Jacob did a nice job of taking care of the squirrel nest. No chemicals were needed. Personable young man who was clear about what was needed and helped to remedie the problem.
Maggie Edmonds
I give Plank Pest Control 5 stars for service, reliability, and courtesy. I recommend highly. I appreciate being able to depend on them to answer questions and always being available to help in an emergency (bee infestation....I am dangerously allergic to bee stings).
Beth Reddington
He did a great job and he answered all of my questions thank you.
Nicholas Peters
Great service at an excellent price. Technicians are prompt and always discuss options for treatment around the home.