The clothes moth goes through different phases in its lifecycle: egg, larvae, pupae, adult. However, it’s only the larval phase that is responsible for the destruction of materials because the larvae have chewing mouth parts. The jaws at the front of their body open and close sideways like automatic doors and they can make their way through even tough fibres like leather and upholstery, which is why any material of natural origin is not safe from clothes moth larvae in your home.
I always emphasise the importance of treating each phase of the clothes moth lifecycle in order to get rid of a full-blown infestation however, because the physical destruction is caused during the larval phase, I am frequently asked what kills moth larvae? So, this blog focuses specifically on how to kill moth larvae.
Why do moth larvae eat clothes?
Clothes moth larvae feed on keratin, a protein found in natural fibres such as silk, wool, feathers and fur. Keratin is also found in bodily secretions, sweat being one, I’ll leave the rest to your imagination and cover them with a simple ‘etc!’ It is for this reason that you will find clothes moths infesting in wardrobes of course, because inside the wardrobe they can gorge themselves on natural fibres, uniquely human extracts and dust which includes lots of skin cells. They also attack soft furnishings made of natural fibres such as wool carpets and rugs and furniture upholstered with wool or horsehair.
Does washing and dry-cleaning kill moth larvae?
Let’s start with clothes. Some items may be so damaged that they are beyond repair and should be thrown away. However garments with small areas of damage can always be mended, even on cashmere. So in these instances opt for dry cleaning (if the garment allows) as this will kill the larvae, and then arrange for the item to be mended. Our sister company, The Wardrobe Curator offers bespoke alterations and a mending service. They are very skilled at dealing with lots of moth related damage.
To get rid of moth larvae in the wash, the temperature must be over 55◦C. Now, I have read that the trend to wash on a 30◦C cycle to protect the environment has contributed to the increase in clothes moth numbers and this doesn’t sit well with me. Higher value items that would most likely be infested with moth larvae such as cashmere, silk and wool suits cannot be machine washed anyway and even before the trend to wash at 30◦C, most washing machines had and still have a regular wash cycle of 40◦C, which is still not high enough to kill the larvae. In fact, I would only use the 60◦C cycle for sheets and towels because a temperature that high would ruin or certainly reduce the life of most garments.
Does freezing clothes kill moth larvae?
If dry cleaning is not an option, place the garment in a sealed plastic bag and put it in the freezer for a minimum of two weeks at -18 degrees. This will kill the eggs and larvae. Then hand wash with a gentle detergent and store in a protective bag. Be aware that storing in plastic bags encourages mould, so make sure you use breathable moth proof storage bags like our non-woven knitwear bags.
Will regular housekeeping kill moth larvae?
Regular cleaning is absolutely imperative. Clothes moths don’t like a disturbance and will lay their eggs in places that they know their offspring will be able to hide and feed undisturbed. That’s why you’ll find clothes moth larvae feeding and hiding in cracks of wardrobes, around the edges of carpets, on the underside of rugs and hard to reach areas underneath furniture. Using a vacuum regularly will clean away larvae and frass (moth poo). You may need to enlist help to move heavy furniture and while you’re there be thorough, this means using the crevice tool to get the dust right at the edge of the carpet. If dust is ground in, use a lightly damp cloth to loosen it before vacuuming and then wipe down skirting boards.
What sprays kill moths?
Our natural Chrysanthemum moth spray kills larvae on contact. It uses natural pyrethrum, extracted from the chrysanthemum flower. When cleaning out your wardrobe, spray the cracks and crevices. For the rest of the room, once you have thoroughly vacuumed and whilst furniture has been moved, spray around the edges of carpets, under rugs, under furniture and anywhere you have seen moth larvae. Close the doors to the room, windows and curtains and leave for 4 hours, then open everything up including windows and leave for another 4 hours.
Will a steam cleaner kill moth larvae?
Steam cleaners are extremely useful for getting creases out of delicate items that can’t be ironed, but the temperature of a steam cleaner means that it will also kill moth larvae. We stock professional steam cleaners and I use mine religiously.
The importance of treating all stages of the clothes moth lifecycle
I mentioned this earlier and I make no apology for reiterating it again here. It’s important to treat all the life stages of the clothes moth in order to successfully combat an infestation and from then on, it is absolutely key to remain vigilant.
I have created a range of products suited to each stage of the clothes moth lifecycleand I urge you to explore the website and to read our expert tips and blog pages. A great place to start is How to solve a clothes moth infestation or 5 steps to get rid of moths. Feel free to contact us by email or phone if you have any questions about your particular clothes moth problem.
FAQs
Air, heat, or freeze items you don't dry-clean or wash. A combination of sunlight and vigorously brushing the infested items can kill moth eggs and larvae.
What can I put in my closet to get rid of moths? ›
Hang herbal sachets with lavender, thyme and rosemary to repel moths. Look to cedar scents, too, as cedar's natural oils are powerful enough to kill closet moth larvae and eliminate infestations. Replace shelving with natural cedar boards. Use cedar hangers and cedar sachets for garments.
What kills moth larvae? ›
Moth eggs, larvae and adult moths can all be killed by a hot-water wash cycle or by dry cleaning. And any that remain in the closet can be vacuumed up or removed by scrubbing.
Will clothes dryer kill moth larvae? ›
Will washing or drying clothes kill moths? Yes- Hot washing and drying clothes can kill moth eggs and larvae.
Can moth larvae survive washing machine? ›
Washing your clothes can kill clothes moth larvae, but it is unlikely to be a suitable solution for the types of garments that will be targeted as a food source. The wash cycle needs to be at the hottest wash setting to kill moth larvae and eggs; more typically used for white cottons.
Where do moths lay eggs in closet? ›
After entering through cracks in walls or crevices beneath closet doors, they lay eggs on clothes, linens, and other fabrics stored inside. Adult moths and eggs don't damage the items; however, hatched eggs (or larvae) feed on animal-based fabrics like silk, wool, cashmere, and fur.
What do moth larvae hate? ›
Without a doubt, Cedar is the best natural moth repellent, followed by lavender. Just keep in mind, you have to first get rid of an infestation before you can prevent future moths. Otherwise, you'll just be hanging up Cedar and lavender sachets as decorations for the larvae to enjoy.
How long does it take to get rid of moth larvae? ›
If dry cleaning is not an option, place the garment in a sealed plastic bag and put it in the freezer for a minimum of two weeks at -18 degrees. This will kill the eggs and larvae.
How long can clothes moth eggs survive? ›
How long do moth eggs live? Moth eggs live 4-10 days after they have been laid and then hatch. This means that sticky eggs could be hidden on furniture or clothing that you bought at a garage sale. For this reason, it is best to freeze items for up to 72 hours before bringing them into your house.
How do I get rid of moths in my closet without mothballs? ›
Mix ¼ cup of neem oil in a 2-quart spray bottle. Fill it with water, then add a few drops of liquid soap. Shake well, and spray your solution directly on the moths. Another simple solution is to mix white vinegar with equal amounts of water to create a pesticide spray that is effective against moths.
Several methods to kill and repel moths of all types using white vinegar solutions. All the moth eggs and larvae present may be eliminated by washing the contaminated clothing or carpet with a solution of white vinegar and warm water.
Does vinegar kill clothes moth larvae? ›
Treat your drawers with vinegar
Using vinegar, this method is extremely effective as while the vinegar cleans, it changes the pH of anything on the surface and kills any moth eggs and larvae.
Can you get sick from moth larvae? ›
So will pantry moths or their larvae, eggs and webbing make you sick if you accidentally eat them? The experts say no. So, if you ingest them, don't panic. Indian meal moths are not known to spread any known diseases, parasites or pathogens.
Can moth larvae survive in vacuum bags? ›
Do vacuum bags protect against moths? Yes, vacuum-sealed clothing storage bags can protect your garments from moths. However, you should be sure that there are no existing moth larvae on your clothes before vacuum-sealing them in a bag. Wash or launder all garments before their storage, if possible.
What temperature kills clothes moth larvae? ›
Freezing infested woolens can work to kill clothes moths if there is an abrupt change from warm (70° F; 21° C) to freezing (0° F; - 18° C) and leaving the items for at least 72 hours once the material reaches 0° F.
What time of year do moths lay eggs in clothes? ›
When do clothes moths emerge? Warmer winters, central heating and an increasing popularity of clothes made from natural fibres mean that clothes moths are now a year-long problem. There is, however, still a noticeable emergence in adult moths around April and May and a second wave in August and September.
What causes moths in wardrobes? ›
Clothes moths are attracted to perspiration and food stains. Keep your wardrobe well ventilated. Air your wardrobe regularly to prevent warm, damp or musty conditions building up, which clothes moths love. Store away clothes carefully.
What time of year do moth eggs hatch? ›
The most common time of year to begin seeing moths emerge is in the spring. However, the Moth Season can continue throughout the summer. A "second wave" of moths may also occur in the late summer months.
What do moth larvae need to survive? ›
They will eat the liquid from flower nectar, liquids from rotting fruits, sap, honeydew and they will even suck the nutrients from bird droppings or animal dung. Moth caterpillars need a lot more energy and will consume what they can find.
Do moths prefer clean or dirty clothes? ›
Moth larvae are particularly attracted to moist clothes – that includes dirty or sweaty clothes you might have neglected to wash. This might mean that adult moths will lay eggs on moist clothes which do not contain keratin in order to get them close to ones that do.
It is only the clothes moth larvae that have the mouth parts capable of chewing through fabrics, the adult moths do not feed and of course you don't see the larvae unless you really look for them.
How long can clothes moth eggs lay dormant? ›
The larval period can vary greatly because of the ability of the larvae to undergo diapause (phase of dormancy). This period of dormancy usually lasts between 8 - 24 months.
What temperature kills moth eggs and larvae? ›
Moth eggs die at temperatures over 120°F. Luckily, most of us have something handy that reaches well over that temperature all summer long, and won't damage either yarns or sweaters in the process.
Can clothes moths go away on their own? ›
Once you've identified you have a moth issue, it's time to take action. It's hard to pinpoint how these things get indoors in the first place, but they do not go away on their own, says Suiter.
How does a clothes moth infestation start? ›
Moth infestations occur when the temperatures are warm and the humidity high. During these periods, adult moths seek out places to mate and lay eggs any place that is suitable to their larvae.
Is there a spray for clothes moths? ›
Using Insecticide Sprays
Insecticides for clothes moths usually contain pyrethrins, which provide quick knockdown of clothes moths. You can spray most of these products directly onto fabrics. Always follow the instructions in the product label.
How long can a moth live in a closet? ›
Adult Stage of Clothes & Carpet Moths
Some adult moths live only for a week. Others can live for up to 10 months or up to a whole year. Female moths die after laying their fertilized eggs, while males tend to perish soon after mating.
What time of year do clothes moths lay eggs? ›
In the United States, Moth Season usually starts in the spring and ends two to four weeks after you first begin seeing the moths emerge. During this 2-4 week period, the moths will mate and females will lay their eggs to make room for a new generation.
Does one clothes moth mean infestation? ›
But a clothes moth infestation – even a small or emerging one - can be difficult to spot in your home. One small fluttering moth is cause for concern.
Does vinegar keep moths away? ›
Vinegar: Vinegar really can be used for anything. And when it comes to cleaning out your closet or storage box to repel moths, it does the job. The strong acidic smell of vinegar will repel moths away from the area as well as cleanse the area from dirt, dust, moth eggs and larvae.
If dry cleaning is not an option, place the garment in a sealed plastic bag and put it in the freezer for a minimum of two weeks at -18 degrees. This will kill the eggs and larvae.
