Tips on Avoiding Clothing Moths
Have you ever entered your closet and found that your favorite (and expensive) cashmere garment has holes? You then begin looking over the rest of your wardrobe only to realize that many of your better pieces are similarly damaged. Chances are, if this has happened to you, then you’ve had clothing moths.
If you don’t catch clothing moths early enough, they can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home and closet. In addition to the ruined garments, you might also have to spend a lot of money on dry cleaning. Furthermore, if there’s an infestation, you might require the services of a professional pest control company.
One of the most costly factors you might have to consider when dealing with clothing moths is their ability to target expensive items. In fact, they seem to thrive on natural fibers such as silk, fur, cashmere, and wool. The little pests prefer anything made from animal hair and fibers. Clothing moths typically ignore cotton and synthetic clothes unless they’re made with a blend of animal materials.
So how can you identify these moths?
The first sign that you might have a problem is the presence of adult moths in your home and closet.
Adult clothing moths are about a quarter-inch wide, making them hard to spot. Also, their brown color makes them hard to see in dark areas, such as a closet.
Although you might notice several types of moths in your house, it’s not likely that they’re clothing moths. There are thousands of species of moths, and only two of them are officially classified as clothing moths.
The larvae of clothing moths can enter a person’s home using a piece of clothing purchased from a second-hand store.
The majority of clothing moths prefer to live in dark and warm environments. They commonly live in the corners, backs, and tops of closet shelves.
The lack of organized closets can allow clothing moths to find suitable textiles. The warm weather in spring can also help clothing moths flourish.
To avoid getting into a situation where you have to deal with moths in your home, you should take some precautionary measures. Below are a few tips for avoiding these terrible buggers!
Stay Organized
One of the most effective ways to prevent getting clothing moths is by keeping your house clean.
Regularly vacuum and clean your home, and try to get it thoroughly cleaned twice a year. Doing so will allow you to keep your home free of clothing moths.
Organizing your home and closet will also allow you to clean regularly. This can help keep the clutter and dust away.
Although it can be hard work, regularly cleaning and emptying your closets is also a good idea. Doing so will allow you to prevent future problems with clothing moths.
Always wash borrowed or second-hand clothing.
It’s important to wash clothes purchased from second-hand stores or vintage shops as soon as possible. Doing so will keep the items from attracting moths.
Run the clothes through a wash cycle in hot water to kill any moth larvae.
Use Mothballs
Although mothballs can effectively kill or repel clothing moths, they need to be properly used to get the best results.
Instead of the traditional mothball smell, which can be overpowering, new mothballs are known to have a pleasant aroma similar to that of wood.
Some people also use Cedar-lined chests to keep clothing moths at bay.
One of the biggest disadvantages of mothballs is that they require an airtight bag or container to repel clothing moths effectively. You’ll also need to use the correct amount to get the desired effect.
Another big concern about using mothballs is their toxic properties. These are essentially pesticides, and you need to keep in mind the manufacturer’s guidelines when handling them.
Try Dried Lavender
Despite the concerns about their effectiveness, some people still believe that dried lavender can be a great way to keep clothing moths at bay.
These products are commonly sold in small bags and can be placed in various areas of your home, such as pantries, clothes closets, and drawers. A plus is they smell great!
Store Clothing in Airtight Bags or Containers
Store the clothes inside vacuum-sealed garment bags or airtight plastic containers to prevent moths from damaging your delicate items.
Before storing clothes in these containers, ensure they’re thoroughly washed and dry-cleaned. Doing this will allow you to keep certain items, such as expensive cashmere clothes, away from moths for a long time.
Originally published on Miriam Mades' website.
