Have you ever delved into your chest of drawers or wardrobe to retrieve an item of clothing only to find it has been ruined by clothes moths?
What steps can we take to prevent moths in clothes and, if they are already an issue, how can we get rid of clothes moths?
The answers are especially important after research in 2018, by pest control company Rentokil, found that clothes moths are on the rise across Britain. The items most likely to be targeted by clothes moths were found to be jumpers, curtains, carpets, dresses and suits.
Why do you get clothes moths?
A survey of over 2,000 customers found that temperature, among other things, could be encouraging more moths onto our clothes. Here are the research findings:
1. Weather
Record-breaking warm weather and heat waves can help promote moth breeding and survival by creating favourable conditions for the pest.
“Unseasonably warm temperatures and the early start to summer has helped to create the perfect conditions for moths to breed and potentially thrive in British households,” David Cross, head of the technical training academy at Rentokil Pest Control, said in 2018.
“With a prolonged breeding season, clothes and soft furnishings in British homes could be at increased risk to damage caused by moth larvae feeding on the natural fibres they contain.
Adult clothes moth
2. Shopping habits
Better quality clothes contain more natural fibres that are favourable for clothes moths.
Over half of the survey participants (59%) said they prefer to buy good quality clothes they know will last longer. Many of these items are made using natural materials such as wool, silk and fur which contain a protein called keratin – the perfect feast for moth larvae.
3. Laundry temperature
Doing the laundry at a cooler temperature makes it easier for moths to survive the wash. This is, however, better for the environment and saves energy. We do not encourage using your washing machine at high temperatures – it just means you need to take more preventative steps. Read our full guide on natural ways to get rid of moths in all areas of the house.
Does washing clothes kill moth eggs and adult moths?
The 2018 research showed that 54% of people are likely to wash their clothes at 30°C compared to five-years-ago – and this number could well have risen even higher since then. The problem is that moths and their larvae have a better chance of survival in cooler temperatures as opposed to a 60°C wash cycle. The temperature required to kill clothes-eating moth larvae is actually 55°C.
Moth eggs on fabric
What do clothes moth larvae and adult moths look like?
Clothes moth larvae are up to 10mm long and are creamy white with a brown head.
You're more likely to see an adult clothes moth, which will hide in wardrobes and in clothing. Adult moths are 6-8 mm long and have straw-coloured wings with no markings. Clothes moths also tend to run rather than fly.
If you have moths, it's likely you'll notice small holes in your clothes and fabrics.
How to solve a clothes moth infestation
- Wash all items of clothing that have been affected on a high temperature. Be sure to read labels on all clothes before washing, especially when it comes to wool.
- Alternatively, put them in the freezer for a few days to kill any eggs.
- Clean all cupboards and wardrobes with a vinegar and water solution. Be careful when cleaning antiques.
- Vacuum regularly to remove any eggs or debris that might be on/in the carpet.
- Buy a natural moth spray, such as these from Amazon.
- Research a pest control expert in your area.
READ FULL MOTH PREVENTION GUIDE
Moth repellant products for the home
Niviy Store Garment Bags, 6 Pack
STAFECO Lavender Oil
Klean Cedar Rings, 50 Pack
GOYADA Cedarwood Hangers
ASAKUKI Lavender Essential Oil
McKLords Cedarwood Atomiser Spray
How to prevent clothes moths in the first place
1. Use a homemade repellent
You can make your own natural repellant that will smell lovely in your wardrobe. Place dried rosemary, thyme, cloves, lavender or bay leaves into a small cloth bag and hang them in your wardrobe and place them in your drawers. The oil form of these herbs, sprayed on contaminated areas and clothes, can also repel moths. You can use an essential oil diffuser, like this Amazon Best Seller for £13.99.
2. Regularly clean the inside of your wardrobe and drawers
Regularly empty and wipe down the inside of your wardrobe, making sure to get into every corner and crack as these are perfect locations for moths. Ventilate your wardrobe every week, too, so as not to encourage the warm, humid environment moths love.
3. Seal unused clothes
When your summer or winter clothes are out of use – especially wool or knitted jumpers – seal them in an airtight bag or box. Vacuum packing them is ideal. Make sure they are clean and moth-free before you pack them away. This will prevent clothes moths feasting on seasonal clothes when they are redundant.
4. Vacuum your bedroom regularly
Clothes moths also like to live in carpets and rugs so be sure to vacuum regularly in rooms where you store clothes and have wardrobes.
5. Buy cedar hangers
Cedar is a natural clothes moth repellent so, when your clothes hangers need replacing, invest in cedar hangers. They are better for the environment and look nicer than plastic ones, too.
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