If you've noticed holes in your clothes or silky webbing in the fabric seams, you've likely got a moth infestation on your hands. But before you start to panic and throw away your entire wardrobe, you should know that it's very common and perfectly treatable.
Just like carpet moths, clothes moth larvae are attracted to natural fibres such as wool, cashmere, silk, leather and felt, and feed on the keratin inside them. That's why it's crucial to have proper garment storage.
To find out the fastest way to get rid of them and what causes them to enter your home in the first place, we spoke to two pest control experts below:
How do I get rid of moths at home?
1. Identify the moth type
Before you do anything, Tony King, owner of The Pied Piper, says it's important to identify which type of moth you're dealing with. While pantry moths are found in – you guessed it – kitchen cupboards and food storage areas, clothing moths are typically found in bedrooms, wardrobes and drawers.
2. Check your home for infested items
Now that you know the culprit, you'll need to thoroughly inspect your home for infested items. Tony says this is the most important step because "most of the damage is caused by moth larvae." Remove these items, then use a vacuum to clean all impacted areas.
3. Treat the infestation
"If you’re dealing with just a single garment, there are two reliable home treatments. Seal it in a plastic bag and freeze it for at least 72 hours, which kills both eggs and larvae; or, wash it at a high temperature if the fabric allows," adds James Rhoades, founder of ThermoPest.
If multiple items have been affected, James recommends that professional heat treatment may be necessary. This can kill moths at every stage of their life cycle, often in just a single visit.
While insecticides can help kill moths they come into direct contact with, it's not going to fix the underlying problem: the eggs and hidden larvae.
Tony King is the owner and manager of The Pied Piper, a leading pest control service that has been in operation for more than 25 years. His team of professionals can help eliminate everything from mouse infestations to slug intrusions.
James Rhoades is the founder of ThermoPest a nationwide specialist in heat-treatment bed bug eradication. BPCA and NPTA member, working with homeowners, hotels, HMOs and councils across the UK.
What causes moths to appear at home?
"Clothes moths are drawn to natural fibres, like wool, cashmere, silk, leather, felt and the like, because their larvae feed on keratin, which is a protein found in animal-based material," says James Rhoades. "They tend to settle in dark, warm, undisturbed spaces, because they’re safer, so you’ll find them in the back of wardrobes, under furniture, in lofts, and along the edges of carpets."
So, how do they get inside our homes in the first place? Whether they fly in through an open window or are transferred through second-hand clothes and furniture (similarly to bed bugs), there are many ways they can get inside.
"People don't realise they're sometimes bringing in more than just a jumper. With more people shopping second-hand, they’re unintentionally spreading the eggs," says James.
What are the signs of moths at home?
Think you have a moth infestation on your hands? Here are the signs to look out for, according to James Rhoades.
- Irregular holes or thinning patches in items with natural fibre
- Silky webbing or small tubular cases within fabric folds
- Tiny cream-coloured, worm-like larvae (this can be up to 1cm long)
- Sand-like frass collecting in seams, folds, or at the bottom of wardrobes
Top tip: When checking your home, focus on areas and items that haven't been used or disturbed for a while.
"In early-stage infestations, we usually find activity concentrated around one garment or the immediate area where it was stored. Early infestations are often very localised, which is why acting quickly is so important. If the item remains stored with other clothing, moths can spread throughout wardrobes, or even entire homes," James explains.
How do I prevent moths at home?
Once you've tackled your current infestation, you'll want to ensure they never return again. To help them get the memo that they're not welcome, James Rhoades recommends the following tips:
- Air your wardrobes regularly
- Shake out clothes you don't wear frequently
- Vacuum along the edges and undersides of carpets, the bottoms of wardrobes, and skirting boards (and dispose of vacuum bags in a sealed plastic bag immediately afterwards)
- Seal wool, cashmere, and silk items in airtight containers or compression bags
- Ensure your clothes are clean before storing them
- Check second-hand clothing and textiles before storing them. Wash or freeze them if you're uncertain
- Lavender and cedar can help, but regular cleaning and proper storage are the gold standard
Shopping picks to keep the moths out
Keep your garments well protected with this six-pack of transparent bags, featuring a full-length zip and tear-proof design.
Those pesky moths will hate the smell of these lavender sachets, preventing them from settling in.
Natural and discreet, these hanging cedar wood blocks will help protect your clothes from moths.
While finding moths in your home can be unsettling, it is possible to get rid of them quickly, as long as you follow the right steps and act as soon as possible.
For more expert-backed pest advice, read our guide on how to get rid of a fruit fly infestation and how to deter wasps.
