While they may be small, clothes moths can cause a big problem. Clothes moths are found throughout homes are known for damaging animal-based materials. The larvae of these moths feed on materials, which can lead to holes and fraying in your favourite garments. In addition to being unsightly, clothes moths can be difficult to get rid of once they’ve taken up residence in your home.
As well as leaving holes in clothes, other fabrics and carpets, clothes moths tend to leave behind crust-like spots. If you suspect you have a clothes moth infestation, it’s best to call in a professional to help mitigate the damages. In the meantime, be sure to keep your closet clean and free of clutter to prevent clothes moths from making themselves at home.
Clothes Moths and Insulation
Clothes moths aren’t just attracted to fabrics inside the home, but also attracted to any wool based insulation in the walls and voids of a property. A clothes moths infestation inside a wall cavity can turn into a severe problem and be very difficult to treat. If you are looking at installing woollen insulation, please ask the company what protection their product has around the common clothes moth.
Breeding Habits of Clothes Moths
These creatures thrive in warm, humid environments, and they’re drawn to natural fibres like wool and cotton. Moth larvae need moisture to survive, so wardrobes in damp areas or near water sources are especially susceptible to infestation. A wardrobe is a perfect breeding location for clothes moths as the moths are untroubled.
How To Treat Clothes Moths
- 1Vacuuming is hardly the most exciting chore. But if you want to keep your clothes moths at bay, it's essential. Moths are attracted to dirty fabric, so by regularly vacuuming your carpets and upholstered furniture, you'll make your home less attractive to them. Plus, vacuuming will pick up any moth eggs or larvae that might be lurking in your carpet.
- 2If you have animal-based clothing use pheromone traps to monitor the areas, you store the garments.
- 3Regular inspection of stored clothing (the winter/summer wardrobe) can be a great way to locate and quickly prevent an infestation spreading.
- 4Although it’s expensive we recommend dry cleaning, it can help prevent moth larvae devouring items of clothing.
- 5Check clothing and quarantine those items when originally purchased. Infestations can and do occur because people bring new/infested items of clothing into their properties.