The Real Culprits: Clothes Moth Larvae
The common assumption that large, fluttering moths are responsible for holes in clothing is a misconception. Adult moths, particularly the larger species often seen around lights, do not eat fabric at all. Their primary role is reproduction. The actual damage to textiles is caused by the larvae of specific, smaller moth species known as clothes moths.
Clothes moth larvae consume natural fibers because they contain keratin, a protein essential for their growth and development. This includes materials such as wool, silk, cashmere, fur, feathers, and leather. While they primarily target animal-based fibers, they may also damage cotton or synthetic fabrics if these are blended with wool or heavily soiled with human sweat, food stains, or body oils, as these provide additional nutrients or moisture.
Two prevalent species are the Webbing Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the Casemaking Clothes Moth (Tinea pellionella). Webbing Clothes Moth larvae are creamy white with a dark head and spin silken tubes or patches of webbing as they feed. Casemaking Clothes Moth larvae, also creamy white with a brown head, construct a portable, cigar-shaped silken case from the fibers they consume, which they carry as they move and feed. Larvae can live for extended periods, depending on environmental conditions and food availability, before pupating into adult moths.
Signs of Clothes Moth Infestation
A clothes moth infestation is often identified by damage to susceptible fabrics. The most apparent sign is the presence of irregular holes in clothing, carpets, or upholstered furniture, particularly in natural fiber items like woolens or silks. These holes tend to enlarge as larvae feed and grow.
Beyond the holes themselves, other indicators point to larval activity. You might find silken tubes or tunnels on affected garments, characteristic of Webbing Clothes Moth larvae. Casemaking Clothes Moth larvae create small, cigar-shaped cases, often incorporating bits of the fabric they are eating, which they carry with them. Small, granular fecal pellets, known as frass, resembling ground pepper, can also be present on or beneath infested materials.
Adult clothes moths are small, typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch long and beige or buff-colored. They are weak flyers and tend to avoid light, so you are more likely to find them crawling in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, basements, or attics. Sighting adult moths, even if they are not directly causing damage, warns that their larvae are active nearby.
Preventing Clothes Moth Damage
Effective proactive measures protect clothing from moth damage. Proper storage is a primary defense: clean garments thoroughly before placing them in airtight containers, sealed plastic bins, or garment bags. Moths are attracted to food stains, perspiration, and body oils, so cleaning items before storage eliminates these attractants. For non-washable items, professional dry cleaning effectively kills all stages of clothes moths and removes attractive residues.
Maintaining cleanliness in storage areas also discourages infestations. Regularly vacuum closets, drawers, and areas beneath heavy furniture to remove lint, dust, hair, and potential moth eggs or larvae. Clothes moths prefer dark, undisturbed environments, so periodically airing out closets and shaking out garments disrupts their habitat.
Natural repellents like cedar and lavender can deter adult moths, though they are not definitive killers. Cedar wood contains oils that act as a repellent, but its effectiveness may diminish over time and require sanding to reactivate the scent. These repellents primarily discourage moths from laying eggs and do not eliminate existing larvae or eggs.
Dealing with an Existing Infestation
Addressing an active clothes moth infestation requires thorough and systematic action. Begin by inspecting all susceptible items to identify the problem’s extent, paying close attention to seams, folds, and hidden areas. Isolate any visibly damaged or heavily infested items immediately.
Cleaning all affected textiles is a crucial step. Laundering items in hot water (at least 120°F/49°C) for 20 to 30 minutes effectively kills all life stages of clothes moths, including eggs, larvae, and adults. For delicate or non-washable items, dry cleaning is an alternative that also eliminates moths. Freezing is also effective: seal items in plastic bags and place them in a freezer below 18°F (-8°C) for several days to kill larvae and eggs.
Beyond treating individual items, thoroughly clean the storage environment. Vacuum all affected areas, including carpets, shelves, and crevices, and dispose of the vacuum bag contents immediately outside to prevent re-infestation. Washing surfaces with soapy water also helps remove eggs and larvae. Pheromone traps can monitor adult male moths, helping gauge infestation levels and disrupt the breeding cycle, though they do not eliminate larvae. For severe or persistent infestations, consult a professional pest control service.