Buzz
If you’re like many people, it’s likely been a while since you’ve worn your professional attire. With remote work becoming the norm over the past few years, most of us have embraced a more relaxed wardrobe. While you might throw on a dress shirt for a virtual meeting, the rest of the time, it’s Casual Friday every day. This shift gives moths the perfect opportunity to feast on those neglected slacks and dresses hanging in your closet.
Two types of moths are notorious for feasting on natural-fiber clothing. Once they invade your home, they can silently and almost invisibly destroy your garments, much like a scene from a horror film. These pests thrive in dark, undisturbed areas, making unworn and unwashed clothes their ideal target. If you find that a colony of clothes moths has taken over your closet, here’s how you can tackle the problem.
Identifying Moth Infestations
How can you tell if you have clothing moths? Look for these three clear indicators:
Moths flutter out when you open your closet or a drawer. This isn’t a prank—it’s a glaring sign of an infestation.
Unexplained holes, ranging from tiny pinpricks to larger coin-sized gaps, start appearing in your clothes. These are caused by moth larvae, which munch through fabrics until they mature and take flight, often startling you when you open your closet.
A gritty, salt-and-pepper-like residue accumulates at the bottom of drawers or closets. This is a mix of pupae casings, larval remnants, and dead moths.
For many, the first clue of a moth problem is discovering random holes in cherished sweaters. Moths favor natural fibers, so it’s common to find some clothes completely ruined while others remain untouched. One thing is certain: Once moths invade, any natural-fiber garment stored in that space is at risk. You must either eliminate the moths or switch to synthetic fabrics like rayon and nylon.
Eliminating Moths
While many moth species are declining, clothing moth numbers are on the rise. If you open a closet and are greeted by a swarm of small, pale insects, don’t hesitate to declare war. Here’s how to eliminate them:
Start by addressing the clothes. Remove every item from your closet or drawers and examine them closely. You might be surprised by the number of holes you discover. Repairing moth damage is feasible, though challenging, and restoring expensive garments to their original state can be particularly tough. You’ll need to decide whether the damaged clothing is worth saving or if it’s better to discard it.
Don’t assume an item is safe just because it lacks visible holes—it could still harbor moth eggs or larvae. Ensure these pests are completely eradicated before returning the clothes to storage:
For machine-washable and dryable clothing, use hot water (over 120 degrees). You might need to adjust your water heater temporarily. Dry them on high heat, ensuring the temperature stays above 120 degrees. If you’re unsure, consider an alternative method.
Extreme temperatures are crucial. If washing or drying isn’t an option, place the clothes in an oven at 125 degrees for 30 minutes or seal them in plastic bags and freeze them for at least 24 hours (longer for added certainty). Note: Avoid baking clothes with plastic buttons, beads, or other embellishments that could melt or warp.
Dry-cleaning is another effective, though costly, solution.
Once treated, isolate the clothes. Storing them in sealed plastic garment bags can prevent any surviving moths from re-infesting the cleaned items.
Next, tackle your storage spaces. Thoroughly clean your closets and drawers. Remove everything and vacuum every corner, paying special attention to cracks and seams where moth eggs might hide. Follow up by wiping down all surfaces with your preferred household cleaner.
To ensure the best outcome, use an insecticide to eliminate any overlooked eggs or larvae (they’re incredibly tiny) and to prevent future infestations. Opt for insecticides containing pyrethrum or similar compounds, often available as dust (Delta Dust is a common option). These are designed specifically for flying insects like moths. Be cautious: These dusts are highly powdery, and careless application can create a hazardous cloud. Instead of spreading it recklessly, place a small amount in a container and use an old paintbrush to carefully apply it to cracks and seams. Clean up any spills promptly, especially if you have pets or children.
Next, implement preventive measures. With your closets now moth-free, take steps to maintain their cleanliness. Avoid traditional mothballs—while effective, they release harmful fumes that are dangerous for you, your pets, and can damage plastic items like garment bags.
Consider using cedar as a natural deterrent. Moths dislike the scent of cedar and other essential oils, so placing cedar planks or sachets in your storage areas can help prevent reinfestation. Remember that cedar loses its potency over time, so periodically sand the blocks or refresh the sachets to maintain their effectiveness. Additionally, regularly open your closets and drawers, and move your clothes around. Moths avoid light and movement, so this practice can deter them and help you spot any damage early.
Lastly, set up pheromone traps in your closets. While these traps won’t stop an infestation (eggs may still be present), they serve as an early warning system. If you spot adult moths after cleaning, it’s a sign that your efforts weren’t thorough enough, and your clothes remain at risk.
Clothing moths can cause significant financial and emotional stress, but proactive measures can mitigate their impact. Alternatively, you could embrace the trend of tiny holes in your wardrobe—your call.
