First published: 14 December 2022 @ 6:00 pm
When it comes to outfits, we want them to last as long as possible. Unfortunately, clothes moths can ruin our outfit in a hurry.
What Is Clothes Moths?
They are small creatures with brown heads that are attracted to natural fabrics or any other fabrics with a high degree of moisture.
They can lay their eggs on the fabric, and when the eggs hatch, the larvae will start to eat away at the fabric.
It can cause significant damage to clothing in a short amount of time, so it is important to learn how to get rid of them.
What Causes Clothes Moths to Attack Clothes?
There are a few things that can cause it to attack our outfit. The first is that they are attracted to fabrics with a high degree of moisture.
This means that if there is a lot of sweat or rain on our outfit, they will be more likely to eat them.
Another thing that can cause them to attack our outfit is the presence of fabric softeners.
Fabric softeners contain chemicals that are harmful to the moth larvae, and this will make them more likely to attack our outfit.
Finally, some people also think that the mothball smell can cause them to attack our clothing.
Again, this is because the moth larvae are sensitive to chemicals in mothballs, and this will make them more likely to attack our outfit.
What Will Happen If I Get Clothes Moths?
If you find them, they will eat away at your outfit until they are nothing but threads.
Moth damage can be a lot of work to fix, and it can be frustrating because the damage will usually be done in a hurry.
If you are unlucky enough to get clothes moths, it is important to take steps to get rid of them as soon as possible.
How to Prevent Clothes Moths
1. Clean Out Your Closet Thoroughly
This creature prefers places that are quiet and where there is a lot of darkness and warmth.
Take out all the clothes that are in the closet and clean all the holes and corners in the furniture. Clean the flat surfaces that are on the furniture with dish detergent to kill the larvae.
Also, you need dry-cleaning all the clothing that you have and all the curtains as well as upholstery that you have.
Freezing at sub-zero temperatures kills the larvae, so put whatever you can fit in your freezer shelves in the freezer.
However, make sure to place clothing in plastic bags before freezing to prevent moisture build-up, and keep them for at least 48 hours.
2. Keep Clean Clothes
They are very fond of sucking up sweat and small particles of food. Do not put damp clothing back into your wardrobe, especially knitwear.
Wash your clothes in hot water with a mild detergent. Dry them in the sun or in high heat.
3. Remove Clothes Immediately If They Are Spotted
If you see signs of them on your outfit, remove them immediately. They are attracted to light.
So if you can cover the clothing with a sheet or a towel, the moth will be less likely to fly away. If you can’t do that, then put the clothing in garment bags and seal it shut.
4. Use A Deodorant Or Antiperspirant With Fabric Softeners
If you are using fabric softeners, make sure to use a deodorant or antiperspirant with it. These products will help to keep the clothing from becoming wet and attract them.
5. Use A Natural Moth Killer
Some people prefer to use natural bug killers like garlic or borax instead of using commercial bug killers.
Garlic is said to be an effective method against them, and borax is also said to be effective against other types of bugs.
Do not forget to use cleaner when you wash your clothes and vacuum cleaner for your carpet for solution.
6. Check For Clothes Moth Eggs
If you are worried that you have this problem, you can check for eggs on your clothing. They lay their eggs on fabric items, carpet, and natural fiber, so if you see any eggs, it is likely that you have clothes moths.
7. Replace Your Clothes If They Are Infested
If you do find moth infestation on your outfit, it is important to remove the clothing and replace it with new one. Hang moth repellent or natural repellent sachets on your wardrobe and consider regular vacuuming.
This will help to prevent the future infestations of moth larvae from spreading to other items in your wardrobe.
Final Thoughts
Clothes moth issues can be a lot of work to get rid of, but it is important to do everything that you can to prevent them from attacking our clothes.
By following these tips, you should be able to get rid of clothes moths in a hurry.
Make sure to keep your clothing clean and free of debris, and use a deodorant or antiperspirant if you are using fabric softeners.
Read other related articles and useful tips on our HandyWork blog!