Unearthing your winter clothes can come as a shock if they're full of holes especially if they weren't in that condition when you put them away. This is a familiar scenario for many people as they make the unwelcome discovery that their clothes have been providing a veritable feast for moths over the winter months. However, there's no need to put up with moths destroying your clothes for they are actually much easier to get rid of and prevent than many other unwanted insects.


Where they come from

Before you’ve even discovered your hole ridden clothes, you may already be on alert to the fact that moths are present. You might spot these tiny champagne colored moths flying around after you've switched a light on or they may appear stuck to a wall. And a big giveaway is opening up a drawer and finding them crawling around your clothes.

While we often blame moths for eating our clothes, it's actually their larvae that are to blame. Adults moths seek out the most suitable environment for laying their eggs, which is usually somewhere dark such in a drawer or cupboard where they are most likely to remain undisturbed for some time.

Why they like our clothes

Because the larvae feed on keratin, found only in animal based products, any source of organic clothing is vulnerable. So items such as woolens, furs, sheepskin, felt , silk or feathers are all suitable feeding sources. And even more encouraging are dirty clothes, particularly when they're stained with food or sweat. But it's not just clothes that are susceptible to clothes moths. Carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture or any material derived from animals can be targeted by the adult moth for egg laying.

Getting rid of moths

Once you have a moth infestation, you'll need to take steps to remove any larvae and live moths to prevent further egg laying. Exposing your clothes to extreme temperatures will kill off the larvae. So if they can withstand high heat, washing clothes using the hottest cycle, at least 120°F (48°C), will destroy all stages of moths. Another heat option is to place clothes under a heat source while vigorously brushing or vacuuming infected clothes to remove larvae. At the other extreme, placing clothes into a plastic bag and freezing them for a few day can work wonders and as a slightly more costly option, having your clothes dry cleaned will do the trick.

Preventing further infestations

To help prevent further loss of clothing the following year, there are all sorts of tried and tested preventative measures you can try to keep moths away. One of the simplest steps is through cleanliness and hygiene. When it's time to pack your winter clothes away, make sure they've all been freshly washed first. Even the slightest trace of human skin could attract a moth.

Vacuum regularly around rugs and carpets, particularly underneath furniture. Dust and clean all drawers before placing clothes away. And for further protection, buy some drawer liners scented with oils such as lavender, patchouli or cedar. You could also use these oils in a diffuser or hang bags of dried lavender inside wardrobes. Moths hate these smells and as long as you refresh or change these oils every month or so, you should be able to ward them off for the duration of winter.

You could also consider placing clean clothes inside vacuum storage bags which are particularly good for items such as coats, suits or dresses. For further protection you could place lavender inside the storage bag.

Mothballs are a traditional method of preventing moths. They're made from either paradichlorobenzene or naphthalene, which over time begins evaporating into a gas and kills existing larvae. Mothballs, while very effective, are often used as a last resort because they smell so offensive to humans and can leave a lingering smell on your clothes. They are also poisonous so pose a potential hazard to children and pets. But, since moths don't like them either, they do work.

When you're buying new clothes, keep an eye out for items labeled ‘moth proofed’ or ‘moth resistant’. Clothes with this label have been specially treated with a chemical which should be able to protect your clothing throughout its lifetime.

While it can come as a relief to finally pack away winter clothes as summer approaches, it won't be long before you're reaching for them once more. To avoid an unhappy reunion with holey clothes, take preliminary precautions against moths by thoroughly cleaning your clothing and storage areas. Adding further deterrents such as scented oils or mothballs will make your clothes doubly unattractive to moths. If your clothes are worthy of storage for next year, then it's certainly worthwhile spending a little time moth proofing your home.