How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths and Everything Else You Need to Know
You’ve pulled out a blouse you’ve been saving for a special day, only to find strands hanging loosely and moth larvae hidden in the collar… clothes moths are silent pests, targeting rarely disturbed pieces to make their home. Wool, cashmere, silk, cotton and delicates are particular favourites, even after a high temperature wash. If you’ve stored a once-beloved wedding dress or a suit that doesn’t quite fit anymore at the back of a spare closet, it’s always an idea to check the folds and creases for signs of clothes moths every so often. You don’t want these household pests destroying any fond memories… sometimes literally eating clothing down to scraps.
What is a Clothes Moth?
Webbing clothes moths and casemaking clothes moths are two common species invading a closet near you. Both types aren’t amazing fliers; instead, they prefer settling into a deep, dark space with a tasty coat to devour, ignoring the pull of any lights. An adult webbing moth is a deep gold colour with a reddish crown of hair atop its little head, while casemaking moths are brown with faint spots on its wings. Baby casemaking and webbing moths look approximately the same, although casemaking larvae are never without their silken carry-case. Both species can tear through your winter clothes while you enjoy the heat of summer, or your summer clothes while you snuggle into warmer layers.
How to Avoid Clothes Moths?
Clothes moth prevention is always better than eradication. While we love meeting new people and solving their pest related problems, we would rather our clients enjoy safe and insect-free homes to begin with – we know it’s not always possible in Canberra. If you’re wondering what causes clothes moths to begin with, they adore the taste of soiled, often put away with food stains, body oils, hair and sweat still attached somehow. You may not realise these delicious morsels still exist on your second pair of jeans, but the combination of a shadowy snuggly space and a veritable feast is all the opening clothes moths need to stay a little longer. Always remember to wash clothes in hot water before storing them for the season, or until you need them again – the same goes for pieces you’ll only wear once but want to hang onto for sentimental reasons.
Clothes Moth Control
While we always recommend professional pest control solutions over store-bought or online hacks, there are a few things you can do before picking up the phone and contacting Canberra Pest Control. It’s time to clean out your closet. Take everything out and give any shelving, rods, boxes and hangers a wipe down with warm water and a gentle detergent. Inspect storage boxes and closely hung clothing, particularly if it’s crammed in. If there are no signs of a clothes moth infestation, line shelving and other surfaces with anti-moth paper and store clothing you won’t wear for a while in vacuum-sealed bags or garment bags.
Did you find larvae? Canberra Pest Control is the best way to get rid of clothes moths in the closet. Our human and pet-friendly treatments will ensure these pests stay away, securing your clothing against further attacks with sound, individualised advice.