How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths
Get those pesky clothes moths out of your house and clothes with these tricks
The Spruce / Alex Dos Diaz
Reviewed by Amanda Rose NewtonFact checked by Jessica Wrubel
Clothes moths can be very destructive because they nest and feed on wool, furs, and other natural or blended fabrics. If you suspect you have a clothes moth infestation, you'll want to take steps to eradicate it before they cause too much destruction in your home.
Read on for tips to get rid of pesky clothes moths.
Types of Clothes Moths
The Spruce / Michele Lee
There are two species of clothes moths that are commonly found in homes in North America: the webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the casemaking clothes moth (Tinea pellionella). These two moth species are similar in size but have several distinguishing characteristics.
Casemaking Moths
1/4 inch long with a wingspan of about 1/2 inch
Gold in color, have light gold hairs on their heads and brownish wings with spots
Makes a silken, tube-like "case" around its body, which it carries with it
Webbing Moths
1/4 inch long with a wingspan of about 1/2 inch
Gold to yellowish-gray in color and have reddish-gold to coppery hairs on their heads
Webbing clothes moth larvae are creamy-white with dark-colored heads and are about 1/3 to 1/2 inch long
What Causes Clothes Moths?
In addition to cloth and wool, clothes moth larvae feed on fur, mohair, hair, and feathers, and on fabrics blended with such natural fibers. They will also feed on dead insects.
The moths lay their eggs on the fabric or other material, gluing them in place, and the hatched larvae then feed on and spin webbing on the items, causing further damage and leaving holes as they feed. Clothes moths are usually are carried into the home on infested articles that are placed near another feeding source, e.g., wool clothing. This then becomes infested as well.
Clothes moths are most attracted to fabrics that are stained or have perspiration spots or urine residue. This is because these stains provide the larvae with the nutrients that they need, such as vitamin B and salt. Since clothes moths stay in dark places and hide if disturbed, they often are not noticed until after they have damaged the fabric that they infest. The most obvious signs of clothes moth presence are holes, webbing, or dried larval cases.
Ideal conditions for clothes moth growth, activity, and egg-laying are warmth and humidity, so they are less common in dry climates. The moths are most active above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but lower temperatures will not necessarily kill them, it just slows them down.
Signs of Clothes Moths Infestation
If you see adult moths in a closet or other dark area or you find clothes with damage, inspect the area and all fabric items immediately and thoroughly. Bring the clothes into a bright area for better inspection, to disturb the moths (they don't like light or movement), and to begin eradication measures. Here are all the signs of a clothes moths infestation to look out for:
Damage to clothes or fabrics (including holes, tunnels, or trenches in fabric)
Moth sightings (small and cream-colored)
Sticky eggs
Larval casings
3 Ways to Get Rid of Clothes Moths
Dry Clean or Wash the Fabrics
You can remove clothes moth larvae from clothes and other fabric items by washing them in a clothes washer in very hot water over 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A more effective method is to dry clean the items, and this is necessary with many wool, silk, and delicate items to prevent damage to the fabric.
Kill Them With Cold
If you're opposed to washing affected items, you can try freezing the moths instead. Place each item in a polyethylene plastic bag (such as a zip-type storage bag), seal it well, using tape if necessary, and place it in a freezer that maintains a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. Keep the items in the freezer for one week, then remove them and air them out. A good seal is important for preventing frost and condensation, which could damage the items.
Clean the Affected Area
Thoroughly vacuum the closet, chest, box, or other area where the affected items were stored. Pay close attention to corners and edges where they may find a food source. If the area is carpeted, vacuum it carefully, and consider having it professionally cleaned if it is really dirty. Moths will not feed on synthetic carpet fibers, but any carpet can provide food sources by capturing pet hair and other natural materials.
In addition to storage areas, clothes moths can infest furniture and often can be found underneath and even inside of couches, chairs, and other upholstered items. Careful inspection and vacuuming is the best way to get rid of them here.
How to Prevent Clothes Moths
Once you’ve successfully controlled clothes moths, keep them from coming back with a few basic strategies.
Don’t entice them with food and hiding places.
Clean natural fiber clothes and other goods thoroughly before placing them in long-term storage; don’t store clothes with sweat or body oils.
Store valuable or cherished items in vacuum-sealed bags, or keep them in airtight containers, such as plastic bins that have all gaps and seams sealed with tape.
Clean clothes closets frequently, and routinely inspect for signs of moths. Rotate clothes within the closet to ensure some items aren’t languishing in the dark corners. Frequently worn clothes and other items are less susceptible to infestation due to the moths’ aversion to light and movement.
For special dresses or suits that you wear infrequently but keep in the closet, store them in plastic (not fabric) garment bags that have all openings sealed with tape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do mothballs get rid of clothes moths?
Mothballs can be effective for killing clothes moth larvae, but the conditions must be just right; namely, the balls (or other forms) must be used in a small, contained area (such as a chest) that is not frequently opened or ventilated. They do not work in most household closets. Plus, they are dangerous around children and pets. Therefore, most experts discourage the use of mothballs for clothes moth treatment.
Are clothes safe in cedar closets or chests?
Cedar contains natural volatile oils that are repellant and potentially lethal to clothes moths. However, the high concentration of volatile oils required to kill moths is difficult to achieve even in a closed chest, and it’s nearly impossible to achieve in a standard clothes closet. You might want to use cedar if you like the smell, but don’t rely on it to prevent moth damage.
Is there a test for clothes moths?
Businesses in the clothing and fur industries commonly use pheromone-baited traps (such as these from MothPrevention) to monitor moth presence. This type of trap attracts male moths, which get stuck to an adhesive surface inside the trap, much like a fly strip. Traps are not effective for preventing moth damage, and they have no effect on larvae or female adult moths, but male moths found in traps are a clear warning that you have an infestation so you can take immediate action.
Read the original article on The Spruce.
