Service information
What to know before you book
Seeing Bogong moths in the Blue Mountains can be surprising, especially when several arrive at your home at once. These native moths are seasonal travellers, not a household infestation. They are harmless to people and are an important part of Australia’s alpine ecosystem.
Bogong moths migrate over long distances towards cool alpine caves and rocky shelters. Their route can change with weather and wind, and bright lights can draw them towards homes, verandahs and streets. If one or many stop at your property, the best response is usually simple: reduce the light, give them a safe way out and let them continue their journey.
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How to recognise Bogong moths in the Blue Mountains
Bogong moths are generally grey-brown, about 25 to 35 millimetres long, with darker streaking and small pale markings on each forewing. Other large brown moths can look similar, so a photograph is more useful than a guess.
You can upload a clear photo to Moth Tracker, where experts verify reported sightings. The Bogong Watch project also explains how observations help researchers map the moths’ migration.
What to do if a Bogong moth is inside your house
- Stay calm. Bogong moths do not sting or bite people.
- Turn off unnecessary indoor lights. Leave one door or window open to the outside if it is safe to do so.
- Close doors to other rooms. This gives the moth a clearer route and stops it moving deeper into the house.
- Give it time. A resting moth may remain still for a while before leaving.
- Move it gently only when necessary. Place a container over the moth, slide a piece of card underneath and carry it outside. Avoid holding or rubbing its wings.
If a larger group has gathered indoors, darken the room, reduce activity around them and create one clear outside exit. Avoid chasing them from wall to wall. Once the competing lights are off, many will settle or move towards the available exit.
What to do when they are outside
Leave resting moths alone where possible. A wall, eave, tree trunk or sheltered verandah can provide a temporary resting place during migration. Turn off nearby lights that are not needed and allow the moths to depart naturally.
If you find a moth with a small tag attached to its wing, photograph the tag without removing it and report the number through Bogong Watch. Tagged-moth reports help researchers study where the moths travel.
What not to do
- Do not spray Bogong moths with insecticide or apply a pest treatment to a resting group.
- Do not use bug bombs, automatic insect sprays or bug zappers against them.
- Do not vacuum, squash or deliberately kill them.
- Do not pull a moth from a surface by its wings.
- Do not hose a cluster from a wall or tree.
Bogong moths are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. They also carry nutrients into alpine areas and are an important food source for animals including the critically endangered Mountain Pygmy-possum. A large seasonal arrival may look dramatic, but it is not a reason to treat them like a normal household pest.
How to reduce Bogong moths coming into your home
You may not be able to prevent every seasonal visitor, but a few practical changes can make your home less attractive and reduce accidental entry:
- Repair damaged flyscreens and check the seals around frequently used doors.
- Close unscreened doors and windows around dusk during periods of heavy moth activity.
- Close curtains or blinds so bright indoor light does not spill outside.
- Turn off decorative, garden and verandah lights when they are not needed.
- Use motion sensors or timers instead of leaving outside lights on all night.
- Choose warmer, lower-intensity exterior lighting rather than very bright white or ultraviolet-rich lights.
- Aim exterior lights downwards and, where practical, position them away from entry doors.
- Seal obvious gaps around window frames and other non-ventilation openings without blocking required vents.
The aim is not to trap or destroy the moths. It is to reduce the light and access points that divert them into the house.
A separate spring reminder about termite inspections
Bogong moths are not a sign of termites, and the two issues are unrelated. However, spring is a practical time to review general property maintenance. If you have not had a professional termite inspection recently, now is a good time to book one and get a clear picture of the accessible areas of your home.
Our Blue Mountains termite inspection service checks accessible areas inside, the roof space, the subfloor and around the exterior for termite activity, damage and risk conditions. You can also book an appointment online or call 0400 822 800 to discuss the property.
Bogong moth questions from homeowners
Are Bogong moths dangerous?
No. Bogong moths do not sting or bite people. The main concern is helping them avoid unnecessary harm or becoming trapped indoors.
Why are they gathering near my lights?
Bogong moths travel mainly at night and can be diverted by artificial lighting. Turning off lights that are not needed can reduce the number gathering around doors, windows and verandahs.
Should a pest controller spray Bogong moths?
No. A seasonal group of Bogong moths should not be treated like a standard pest infestation. Reduce unnecessary lighting, provide an exit for moths indoors and let resting moths outside continue naturally.
Where can I report a sighting?
Submit a clear photograph to Moth Tracker for expert verification, or add an observation through the citizen-science links provided by Bogong Watch.