Media tip sheet: Miller moth season is upon us

They’re back! If you haven’t seen a miller moth already this year, you likely will soon. Every year the moths migrate from eastern Colorado to the mountains for the summer, stopping on the Front Range along the way. Peak moth flights may last five to six weeks, generally starting between mid-May and early June, according to Colorado State University Extension. 

Don’t fret, migrating moths don’t lay eggs or feed on home furnishings. They may be annoying but are not harmful. 

CSU experts are available to discuss miller moths for news reports. Please contact Jayme DeLoss at [email protected] or (970) 491-8904 to talk to one of the experts below. 

Chuck Harp
Collections manager, C.P. Gillette Museum of Arthropod Diversity, and lepidopterist (moth and butterfly expert) 

The insect museum, on CSU’s Fort Collins campus, houses nearly 5 million specimens – one of which is named after Harp himself! 

Lisa Mason
CSU Extension entomologist and horticulture specialist for Arapahoe County  

Karim Gharbi
CSU Extension horticulture specialist for Denver County  

John Murgel
CSU Extension horticulture and natural resources specialist for Douglas County  

 

Resources 

Video of miller moth fast facts by CSU Extension 

CSU Extension fact sheet on miller moths