The moth isn’t the one eating your sweater
Clothes moth larvae do the damage, hidden in dark closets, drawers and storage bins.
Find the source.
Check wool, silk, fur and feathers that sit untouched in dark, quiet spots.
Clean it out.
Wash, dry clean or freeze affected items, then vacuum closets and drawers well.
Store it smart.
Clean clothes in sealed containers give larvae nothing to eat and nowhere to hide.
Clothes moths are small, tan moths whose larvae eat wool, silk, fur, feathers and other animal fibers. The adults don’t chew holes. Their larvae do, usually in dark closets, drawers and storage bins that don’t get disturbed.
Most clothes moth problems are solved with cleaning and smart storage. Our home pest control plans cover many household pests, and we can help you sort out what you’re seeing. Coverage for clothes moths depends on the situation, so call 913-735-5451 and we’ll tell you what fits your home.
How do you identify clothes moths?
Clothes moths are small, about the size of a grain of rice, with narrow tan or golden wings. They flutter weakly and avoid light, so you’ll rarely see them flying around lamps.
The larvae are tiny, cream-colored caterpillars with dark heads. Some spin silky tunnels or carry a small case made of fiber. Pantry moths look similar, but they usually show up in the kitchen near grains and dry goods.
What are the signs of clothes moths?
The clearest sign is small, scattered holes in wool or silk clothing, blankets or rugs. You may also find silky webbing, tiny cases or fine crumbs on the fabric.
Damage often shows up where the fabric is folded, under collars and cuffs or along the edges of rugs under furniture. Items with sweat or food stains get hit hardest, since larvae are drawn to them.
How do you get rid of clothes moths?
Start by finding every item with damage or larvae and treating it. Clean, then store, is the order that works.
- Wash items on hot, or dry clean them, if the fabric allows
- Freeze delicate items in a sealed bag for several days
- Vacuum closet floors, corners, shelves and baseboards, then empty the vacuum outside
- Check rugs, upholstery and stored blankets in the same room
Pheromone traps can show you if moths are still around, but they won’t solve the problem alone. Cedar has a mild effect at best.
How do you prevent clothes moths?
Store only clean clothes, in sealed plastic bins or zip garment bags. Moths go after soiled fabric, and a sealed container keeps adults from laying eggs.
Move stored wool around a few times a year and let in some light. Keep closets dry and avoid cardboard boxes for long-term storage. If you’re finding small bugs in closets or bedrooms and aren’t sure what they are, read bugs in the bedroom that aren’t bed bugs.
Moths in the pantry instead? See pantry pests. Tiny bugs in old books? Read about booklice.
Not sure what’s eating your closet? Call 913-735-5451, answered 24/7, or schedule online. Most services can be scheduled same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clothes moths mainly eat animal fibers like wool, silk, fur and feathers. They can damage cotton or synthetic blends that are stained or mixed with wool.
Clothes moths usually arrive on secondhand clothing, rugs or furniture, or fly in from outdoors. They settle in where wool or silk sits undisturbed in the dark.
Mothballs only work in a tightly sealed container, and the fumes are strong and unpleasant indoors. Cleaning items and storing them in sealed bins is a simpler fix.
Clothes moths can take a few weeks to clear because eggs and larvae hide in fabric and cracks. Clean every affected item, vacuum often and watch traps until catches stop.
Wash affected items in hot water or dry clean them, then vacuum closets, drawers and baseboards well. Freezing small items in a sealed bag for about a week also kills eggs and larvae.
