How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths

Clothes moths can be 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 eradicate it before they cause too much destruction in your home.

Read on for tips to get rid of pesky clothes moths.

How to Identify Clothes Moths

Two species of clothes moths 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. Clothes moth larvae are maggot-like and often have brown heads. Here are more features:

What Causes Clothes Moths?

Clothes moths are most attracted to stained fabrics with perspiration spots or urine residue. These stains provide the larvae with nutrients such as vitamin B and salt. 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.

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°F, but lower temperatures will not necessarily kill them, it just slows them down.

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 carried into the home on infested articles placed near another feeding source, such as wool clothing, which then becomes infested.

Signs of Clothes Moths Infestation

Clothes moths prefer to live in the dark and hide if disturbed. They often go unnoticed until you discover the damage to your clothing, carpets, and other fabrics. (These moths do not have nests.)

Bring the clothes into a bright area for better inspection. The light and movement will disturb the moths. Here are all the signs of a clothes moth infestation to look out for:

• Small pinprick holes in clothes or fabrics
• Silky tunnels or webbing on fabrics
• Trenches in your clothing
• Moth sightings
• Small, white sticky eggs
• Dried larval cases

3 Ways to Get Rid of Clothes Moths

Wash or Dry Clean the Fabrics

You can remove clothes moth larvae from clothes and other fabric items by cleaning them in a washing machine in hot water over 120°F. A more effective method is to dry clean the items, which is necessary with many wool, silk, and delicate items to prevent damage to the fabric.

Kill Them With Cold

If you do not want to wash affected items, freeze 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°F or colder.

Keep the items in the freezer for one week, then remove them and air them out. A good seal prevents 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 a professional cleaning. 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 are often found underneath and inside couches, chairs, and other upholstered items. Careful inspection and vacuuming is the best way to get rid of them.

How to Prevent Clothes Moths

Once you’ve successfully controlled clothes moths, keep them from returning 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.
• 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 because of the moths’ aversion to light and movement.
• For special dresses or suits worn infrequently but kept in the closet, store them in plastic (not fabric) garment bags and seal all openings with tape.
• Take advantage of moth repellants in your closet or storage areas.

When to Call a Professional to Treat a Clothes Moth Infestation

If the holes in your clothing continue to occur even after you've tried these methods, call a pest control service. Clothes moth infestations can get out of hand and are challenging to defeat without the help of a professional. A professional confirms the type of moth you have and will use effective techniques and methods to banish these pests for good.