How do I get rid of clothes moths?

Clothes moths lay eggs on natural fibres — wool, silk, cashmere, feathers — and the larvae do the damage. They are attracted to the residues on worn clothing rather than to the fabric itself, which is why storing anything unwashed is the usual cause.

What you'll need

• Vacuum
• Sealed storage bags or boxes
• Freezer space (optional)
• Moth traps (optional)

Step by step

1. Confirm it is clothes moths and find the source.Look for small holes in wool and silk, silky tubes or webbing, and larvae in dark undisturbed places — the backs of wardrobes, under furniture, in carpet edges.
2. Empty the affected wardrobe or drawers completely.Everything out. A partial clear-out leaves eggs behind and the problem returns.
3. Wash everything washable at 60°C, or dry clean it.Heat kills eggs and larvae. Check labels — many wool items will not take 60°C.
4. For items that cannot be washed hot, seal them in a bag and freeze for at least 72 hours.Freezing kills all life stages. Let them return to room temperature before unsealing to avoid condensation.
5. Vacuum the empty wardrobe thoroughly, including cracks, corners and the floor beneath.Then empty the vacuum outside immediately. Eggs are tiny and this is where they hide.
6. Vacuum carpet edges and under heavy furniture in the same room.Undisturbed carpet under a wardrobe or bed is a classic breeding site and is routinely missed.
7. Store clean items only, sealed where possible.This is the prevention. Moths are attracted to sweat, food and skin residue rather than to clean fabric.
8. Use pheromone traps to monitor rather than to control.They catch adult males and tell you whether the problem is ongoing. They will not clear an infestation on their own.

Tips

• Cedar and lavender deter moths mildly but do not kill eggs or larvae. They are a supplement to clean, sealed storage rather than a substitute.
• Vacuum-storage bags are effective for seasonal wool storage and take up far less space too.
• Check stored items every few months during an active problem rather than assuming it is resolved.

Common mistakes

• Killing the adult moths and stopping there — The adults do not eat clothes. The larvae do, and they are elsewhere in the room.
• Storing worn clothes over summer — Sweat and skin residue is what attracts moths. Clean storage is the single most effective prevention.
• Treating the wardrobe but not the carpet — Undisturbed carpet under furniture is a common breeding site and reinfests the wardrobe.

Questions people ask