What Causes Moths in Your Clothes?

Holes in clothes are a sign of clothes moth infestation.

Clothes moths are around 1/4 inch long and are considered pests. However, it is not moths that destroys clothing, but rather their larvae that feed on natural fibers and wool. The two most commonly found clothes moths are the webbing clothes moth and case-making clothes moth. Some people may wonder what causes moths in their clothes. Understanding the behavior and egg-laying habit of clothes moths will clear this enigma.

Habitat

Clothes moths prefer moist, dark places that are rarely disturbed. That is why it is common to find these moths in closets, attics and basements. They tend to live in the folds of the fabric where they lay their eggs. If you disturb a clothes moth, instead of flying, it will seek cover to escape. The moths are most active during summer and tend to fly, looking for a place to lay their eggs. In buildings that are heated, clothes moths can lay eggs at any time.

Eggs and Larvae

The eggs are tiny, about 1 mm long, and hardly visible to the naked eye. They attach to the fabric with a glue-like matter. Upon hatching, the larvae are about 1/2 inch long and creamy white in color, and they begin feasting on the fabric. Usually, the larvae target clothes made from animal products, such as wool, leather, fur, feathers and silk. They also consume fabrics that contain organic matter, such as perspiration, pet hair and spilled food. They continue feeding on the clothes until they are ready to form cocoons.

Signs of Infestation

Check clothes carefully to see whether they have holes in them. If you notice large, irregular holes in stored clothing items, you have a problem with clothes moths. If you happen to see moths flying in a dimly lit area in your home, it is a sign that clothes moths have managed to make their way into your home and have laid eggs. Clothes moths rarely fly before laying eggs. Check the walls in the vicinity of stored clothes for moth cocoons.

Control Measures

Vacuum and thoroughly clean your home regularly. Pay special attention to closets, carpets, rugs and cupboards. Dispose off the vacuum bags immediately.

Get all infested clothing, blankets and curtains laundered or dry cleaned. Take infested clothes outdoors, into the sun, and brush them vigorously to get rid of eggs and larvae.

Hang small carpets and rugs outdoors, and beat and brush them vigorously. This will get rid of eggs and larvae.

Before storing clothes in airtight containers, make sure that they are thoroughly cleaned and do not have food spills, perspiration or urine on them.

If infestation is severe, it is best to get in touch with a professional pest control company.

References

• The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture; Clothes Moths; Mike Potter, Extension Entomologist
• Penn State College of Agricultural Science; Clothes Moths; Steve Jacobs, Sr. Extension Associate
• EPA: IPM for Clothes Moths and Carpet Beetles in Schools
• Cornell University: Insect Diagnostic Laboratory: Clothes Moths