Are Moths Dangerous to Humans

While moths can irritate if touched and may damage articles of clothing and foodstuffs, most aren’t harmful to humans. Some caterpillars have urticating setae on their bodies, like the giant silkworm and flannel moths, but these generally cause allergic reactions, redness, and soreness if touched. Though they are pests, moths are gentle creatures and only cause damage from a need to survive.

Do moths bite

Adults do not have the mouthparts necessary or capable of biting humans. The larva possesses mandibles, but even then, bites seldom occur.

What damage do moths cause

In the larval stage, the moth is a pest, especially clothes and pantry moths. They will chew through furniture, clothes, stored food, upholstery, etc.

Some moths, like the box tree moth, are deadly to boxwood plants.