If you notice holes in your clothes or webbing in fabric seams, chances are you have a mite infestation on your hands. But before you start panicking and throwing away your entire wardrobe, you should know that it’s very common and completely treatable.
As The carpet mothClothes moth larvae are attracted to natural fibers such as wool, cashmere, silk, leather and felt and feed on the keratin within them. That is why proper storage of clothes is important.
To find out the fastest way to get rid of them and what’s causing them to enter your home, we spoke to two pest control experts below:
How can I get rid of moths at home?
1. Identify the type of pest
Before you do anything, Tony King, Owner Pied PiperSays it’s important to identify what type of moth you’re dealing with. when The Pantry Moth Found in – you guessed it – kitchen cupboards and food storage areas, clothes moths are commonly 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 done by the moth larvae.” Remove these items, then use a vacuum to clean all affected areas.
3. Treat the infestation
“If you’re only working with one 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, if the fabric allows, wash it at high temperatures,” adds James Rhodes. Thermopaste.
If multiple items are affected, James recommends that professional heat treatment may be necessary. This can kill moths at every stage of their life cycle, often in just one visit.
While insecticides can help kill the moths they come into direct contact with, they won’t 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 business for over 25 years. Their team of professionals can help with everything from mouse infestations to snail infestations.
James is the founder of Rhodes Thermopaste Nationwide Specialist in Heat-Treatment Bed Bug Extermination. BPCA and NPTA member, working with landlords, hotels, HMOs and councils across the UK.
What is the reason for the appearance of moths in the house?
“Clothes mites are drawn to natural fibers, such as wool, cashmere, silk, leather, felt and the like, because their larvae feed on keratin, a protein found in animal-based materials,” says James Rhodes. “They tend to settle in dark, warm, cluttered places because they’re safer, so you’ll see them behind clothes, under furniture, in lofts and on the edges of carpets.”
So, how do they get into our homes in the first place? Do they fly through an open window or are they transferred through second-hand clothing and furniture (as well Bed bugs), there are several ways they can get in.
“People don’t realize they sometimes bring more than just a jumper. The more people shop second-hand, the more unwittingly they spread eggs,” says James.
What are the signs of moths in the house?
Do you think you have a mite infestation on your hands? According to James Rhodes, here are the signs to look for.
- Irregular holes or thin patches in items containing natural fibers
- A small tubular case inside a silk net or fabric fold
- Small cream-colored, worm-like larvae (these can be up to 1 cm long)
- Friss such as sand collects in seams, folds or at the bottom of clothing
Top tip: When inspecting your home, focus on areas and items that haven’t been used or disturbed in a while.
“In early-stage infestations, we usually see concentrated activity around one garment or the immediate area where it was stored. Early infestations are often very localized, which is why it’s so important to act quickly. If the item is stored with other clothing, the moths can spread through the garment or even throughout the house,” explains James.
How can I prevent moths at home?
Once you’ve dealt with your current infestation, you want to make sure they never come back. To help them get through memos they don’t welcome, James Rhodes recommends the following tips:
- Air your clothes regularly
- Shake out clothes you don’t wear often
- Vacuum the edges and undersides of carpets, along with wardrobe bottoms and skirting boards (and then immediately dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag).
- Seal wool, cashmere and silk items in airtight containers or compression bags
- Make sure your clothes are clean before storing them
- Check second-hand clothes and textiles before storing them. If you are unsure, wash or freeze them
- Lavender and cedar can help, but regular cleaning and proper storage are the gold standard
Shopping Picks to Keep Moths Away
Keep your garments well protected with this six-pack of transparent bags, featuring a full-length zip and tear-proof design.
Pesky moths will hate the smell of these lavender sachets, preventing them from settling.
Natural and discreet, these hanging cedar wood blocks will help protect your clothes from moths.
While finding moths in your home can be upsetting, 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 Fruit fly infestation And How to prevent wasps.
