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As the warmer weather arrives, many of us start to pack away our woolly jumpers and blankets to make room for our summer wardrobe. This is a time when clothes moths can become a significant concern, potentially finding their way into freshly stored items, or accidentally being sealed in with them.
If present, these pests can then cause significant damage on your natural fibre belongings – often unnoticed until it’s too late, perhaps when you unpack them months later.
While clothes moths aren’t a direct health risk, their destructive feeding habits on fabrics can be a significant and costly problem for homeowners.
But there’s good news, by understanding their behaviour and knowing when to call in the professionals, you can protect your home and wardrobe.
As trusted pest control specialists in London and its surrounding areas we’re here to provide the insights and effective solutions you need to tackle a clothes moth problem.
When we think of a clothes moth, we’re typically referring to one of two primary species in the UK.
Much like other insects are attracted to food scents, the adult female clothes moth will instinctively seek out keratin-rich textiles like wool, cashmere, silk, felt, fur, and leather, to lay their eggs. The adult moth does not feed or cause any damage; it is the larvae that will then feed on these materials.
Beyond clothing, keratin can also be found in carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, blankets, tapestries, or even taxidermy.
They will also seek out undisturbed areas like the back of wardrobes, under beds, or seldom-used drawers.
There are some obvious signs that can indicate a clothes moth problem. Look out for irregular holes appearing on your clothing, carpets, or upholstery.
You might also spot silken tubes, webbing, or distinctive larval cases left behind by feeding larvae, particularly those of the case-bearing moth.
Another tell-tale sign is frass, tiny, granular droppings that resemble sand or pepper, typically found near damaged areas.
While they don’t cause the damage themselves, seeing small, fluttering adult moths, especially in quieter parts of your home, indicates an active infestation.
If you look closely at affected items, you might even spot live larvae, which are small, creamy-white caterpillars. Finally, in more severe infestations, a strong, unpleasant musty odour may also be noticeable.
Prevention is your first course of action.
As you prepare to pack away seasonal items, cleanliness is key. Moths are attracted to soiled natural fibres, so always wash or dry-clean garments thoroughly before storing them, ensuring they are dry to prevent moisture that attracts moths.
Use airtight storage with tight-fitting lids or vacuum-sealed bags. Avoid cardboard boxes as they offer no protection.
For hanging items like wool suits or cashmere coats, choose breathable garment bags that zip fully.
Finally, store your packed clothing in cool, dry, dark locations, as moths thrive in warm, humid, and undisturbed conditions.
If you spot any of the telltale signs mentioned above, professional intervention is often the most effective way to solve the problem.
While DIY removal methods might remove some visible larvae, they do burrow deep into fabrics and are not always easy to spot. This means you are highly likely to miss some eggs or larvae, and it will lead to the problem continuing or re-emerging.
A professional pest control service offers a comprehensive and lasting solution that goes far beyond surface cleaning, reaching these hidden populations.
At Protex Pest Control our BPCA (British Pest Control Association) certified technicians are experts in clothes moth behaviour and removal.
When we visit you, we will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify the specific species of moth and the extent of the infestation.
We will then provide the best treatment to eliminate clothes moths at all life stages (eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults).
All our treatments are highly effective and safely applied by our trained technicians, adhering to all UK safety regulations.
Depending on the severity, follow-up visits may be scheduled to ensure complete eradication and to address any potential re-infestation.
If you’re concerned about clothes moths infestation, contact us today for a no obligation quotation.
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