What kind of moths are invading New Mexico?
Robert Guerrero
Updated on March 22, 2026
Millions of moths — Miller moths, that is — have emerged from hibernation this month, much to the dismay of New Mexicans everywhere. Clouds of these insects have been spotted around the state, including in Albuquerque and Las Cruces.
Keeping this in view, what kind of moths are in New Mexico?
Moths of New Mexico
| Givira delindae New White Sands species | Mimoschinia rufotasialis Rufous-banded Cambrid Moth |
|---|---|
| Catocala piatrix Joined Underwing Moth | Autographa californica Alfalfa Looper Moth |
| Euscirrhopterus gloveri Purslane Moth | Euscirrhopterus gloveri Purslane Moth |
Likewise, how long will the moth infestation last in New Mexico? "Sometimes these things last a few weeks, sometimes they last two months. There's really no way of knowing until it's done," Swanson said. What experts do recommend is making sure you have good screens on your windows and strong seals around your doors to keep the moths out.
One may also ask, why are there so many moths in New Mexico right now?
LAS CRUCES — New Mexico is dealing with an infestation of moths due to lack of rain. Richard Fagerlund, an entomologist who taught at the University of New Mexico, said different species of moths are coming into towns and cities, seeking an environment with more water.
What is the biggest moth in New Mexico?
Hyalophora cecropia
| Cecropia moth | |
|---|---|
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Saturniidae |
| Genus: | Hyalophora |
| Species: | H. cecropia |
Related Question Answers
How long will the moths be around?
How long do the spring flights last? Typically, peak miller moth flights may last five to six weeks, generally starting the last week of May or early June. Often within this period they may be at peak numbers as nuisance problems for about two to three weeks.How do I get rid of moths in my house?
8 ways to get rid of moths- Fill your home with cedar.
- Combine dried, crushed, and powdered herbs.
- Use a sticky trap.
- Keep your floors, carpets, and moldings vacuumed and dusted.
- Freeze any clothes or belongings that show signs of moths.
- Wash clothes that contain larvae or eggs.
- Use vinegar to help.
Are the moths gone?
The study found that half of the moth and butterfly species studied are in decline, with one-third threatened with extinction, and the numbers for beetles are almost exactly the same. Meanwhile, nearly half of surveyed bees and ants are threatened.Will rain get rid of moths?
Going into spring, experts and residents alike were praying for early May rains as their get-out-of-jail-free ticket against the moths, but the rain still may not be enough to ensure a mass elimination of the caterpillars, state entomologist Kirby Stafford said, although it's certainly helping.How do you get rid of moths in New Mexico?
The best control is to hang one flour moth pheromone trap in the area they are infesting. This will attract and catch the male moths and stop the breeding process. Then, inspect all open dried foods and toss anything that is infested. Place all non-infested foods in sealed containers or refrigerate them.What kind of bugs are in New Mexico?
Common beneficial insects of New Mexico- Beetles (Order: Coleoptera)
- Beetles (Order: Coleoptera)
- Beetles (Order: Coleoptera)
- Beetles (Order: Coleoptera)
- True bugs (Order: Hemiptera)
- True bugs (Order: Hemiptera)
- True bugs (Order: Hemiptera)
- True bugs (Order: Hemiptera)
