Life stages
There are four life stages of these moths: egg, larva, pupa, and adult, according to Native Pest Management. First females lay tiny eggs in clusters in hidden locations to ensure their survival. Once they hatch, the larvae begin to feed and gather materials for their own cocoon-like structures. They will grow and molt a few times before turning into pupae. Pupae are harder to spot since they remain in their cases until they emerge as adults. Adult kamitetep grows to about half an inch in length, with tiny grayish-brown scales all over the body.
Diet
Since this species gravitates to heat and humidity, they are typically found in closets, basements, gardens, garages, and attics. There, they have a large supply of organic materials to consume. Their diet includes dust, feathers, wool, spiderwebs, hair, dead insects, lint, silk, paper, and plant debris. For some reason, they don’t seem to like cotton, says Free Malaysia Today. Unfortunately, they can chew through personal items like clothes, rugs, linen, and important documents, which is why kamitetep don’t make good roommates.
Where they hide
Search for signs of kamitetep in your home with their diet in mind. Look around storage boxes, especially the ones made of cardboard. Check areas with fabric, such as linen closets and around carpets. Remember to look out for their small, tubular cases, which could be hanging on a wall or ceiling. You may also see little caterpillar-like larvae looking for food near their cases. Additionally, like with other moths, look around light fixtures because adults are attracted to them.
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