How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths

Clothes moths living in your belongings is not something you should have to worry about. Take the first steps in removing them from your space and follow Summit Self Storage’s guide to keep them out for good.

Identify the Clothes Moths

You may have seen the clothes moths but you still might not know exactly what they are or how they got into your belongings. Clothes moths are small insects that eat natural fibers like wool, cashmere, and cotton. The female clothes moth lays her eggs in these materials, and when the larvae hatch, they start eating right away. While you might not be able to see the clothes moths themselves, you can usually tell if they’re around because of the damage they leave behind. Clothes moths leave small holes in the fabric, and if you look closely, you might also see small pieces of webbing or cocoons. The damage from clothes moths is usually irreversible, so it’s important to take steps to prevent them from infesting your home in the first place.

Cleaning Your Space

Now that you have identified the clothes moths, you need to remove them from your space by discarding any infested or damaged items. Clothes, pillowcases, drapes, comforters, and even rugs may need to be discarded. Make sure to fully inspect all of your belongings during this process. You do not want to find any lingering moths later. Once these items are removed, you should then clean the rest of the space by wiping down the surfaces and vacuuming the floor. This will remove any built-up dust and dirt that has accumulated. By having a clean area, clothes moths are less likely to get into your belongings.

Preventing Clothes Moths

Although you have removed the clothes moths, it is crucial that they do not find their way back into your space. Store objects with fabrics in airtight storage bins. Using large sealed bags is another option if you do not have storage containers. Create a schedule to clean the space regularly so you can ensure that clothes moths are not getting into any of your things. Dark and humid spaces are perfect for clothes moths to breed so we recommend that you find ways to keep your room ventilated and well-lit throughout the seasons. Lastly, before bringing in any new items, be sure to inspect them for clothes moths as you don’t want to carry in any new critters. By completing these steps, your space should be able to remain moth-free and you no longer have to worry about your belongings getting damaged.

Store Your Items at Summit Self Storage

Clothes moths getting into your belongings may no longer be an issue but if you need more space to store these things, visit Summit Self Storage. We have facilities located in Augusta, GA, Mills River, NC, and Awendaw, SC. Each facility offers a variety of storage units that will meet your storage needs. Try using our Storage Calculator to help you determine the best storage type and size for your belongings. Whether you need a unit with temperature-control settings or drive-up access, Summit Self Storage has you covered. If you need more information on how to store your items while they remain at our facility, check out our Storage Tips. Call or visit our site and rent your storage unit today!

Katie Mest

About the Author: Katie Mest is an SEO Specialist at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. She specializes in writing about the self storage industry, including storage tips and helpful resources. Outside of work, Katie enjoys camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors with her newly adopted Greyhound rescue, Titan.