How to combat clothes moths?
High-quality woolen clothing is a delicacy for annoying moths. If the small, whitish moths flutter around in the wardrobe, it is a real fright. It is high time to do something, because a female clothes moth can lay many tiny moth eggs, from which voracious caterpillars hatch and leave large feeding marks. The moth predators are not picky.
Our woolly alpaca shop in Berlin with high-quality alpaca wool is a gourmet shop for clothes moths. When we open the shop, the first critical glance is through the shelves filled with wonderful knitwear to spot a moth that might still be sitting on a wool sweater. We try to protect ourselves with various preventive measures. On this page we would like to give you ideas on how you can prevent moth damage and combat clothes moths.
Clothes moths feed on keratin in order to grow. Keratin is found in animal hair, not just natural wool. The moths will do anything they can to achieve this. The moths don't like knitted sweaters made of synthetic or plant-based wool. The moths also avoid paper and wood.
A female moth can lay 100 to 250 eggs and the larvae hatch after 2 weeks. Then the big feeding begins. After three months the larvae pupate. It can then take up to 3 months for the moth to hatch, for a short life of just 18 days.
How do I get rid of clothes moths?
Moths brought in in new clothing
When we receive a new shipment of knitted clothing from our Peruvian knitters, we don't know whether it might contain a clutch of tiny invisible moth eggs. Therefore, the new knitted goods are treated with particular care to ensure that you, the customer, don't bring a moth home. So if you buy a new knitted sweater, the new item should be quarantined.
Clothes moths come through the open window
We have found that new flying visitors are discovered in the sticky moth traps from summer to autumn. During this time of year we open the front door for our guests. We also like to open the window so that a little draft brings some cooling. During this time there are many leaf miners around, which also get caught in the sticky traps. Perhaps this is also the best time of year for clothes moths.
How do I know if there are clothes moths in my home?
Flying and sitting moths in the wardrobe
If you see a white moth sitting on your knitted clothing, you have an unwelcome guest. If there are more than two, a clutch of moth larvae has fed on them and developed into new moths. Worst-case scenario for your valuable wardrobe.
Attention when moths stick to the hormone trap
Male clothes moths are attracted to the smell of female hormones and stick to them. A careful, regular look at the sticky trap makes them feel good. Your wardrobe is safe if no new moth has fallen victim to the sticky trap. A new victim means attention.
Holes in woolen clothing can be caused by moths
The weather has turned cold and you take the scarf out of the closet. You notice a strange hole. The moth larvae have done their job, have pupated and the new moths have flown away. You had a visit from moths and hadn't noticed. You should check all the clothes for damage and moths.
No hole discovered in wool sweater with caterpillar nest of clothes moth
In our experience, the eggs and larvae of clothes moths are invisibly small. But the area around the hole feels damp and slightly grainy. You should immediately put the item of clothing in isolation and place it in a freezer or freezer compartment. Please do not wash it. In our experience, moth eggs and larvae do not die when washed in wool and using wool detergent. The little monsters are very resistant.
Preventive Measures Against Clothes Moths
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Isolation of New Clothing in the Freezer
To protect against moths, place new wool or natural fiber garments in quarantine in the freezer for three days. Wrap them in a bag or newspaper. The freezing temperatures kill moth eggs and larvae, ensuring your new clothing is moth-free after this process. -
How to Store Wool Clothing in Summer
When storing winter clothing during warmer months, vacuum-sealed bags are an excellent option. These bags protect against moths and dust while compressing the garments to save space. Since the clothing is sealed, it can also be stored outside the wardrobe until needed in the fall. -
Hormone Adhesive Traps for Male Moths
Place hormone adhesive traps in areas prone to moths. These traps emit a scent that attracts male moths, which then stick to the adhesive. Since male moths cannot lay eggs, this reduces reproduction. If new moths appear, inspect the area for more and consider treatments for eggs and larvae. -
Essential Oils That Repel Clothes Moths
Certain essential oils, such as lavender, thyme, pine, and cedarwood, repel moths. Apply the oils to decorative wooden pieces and place them in your wardrobe. These natural scents offer an eco-friendly alternative to chemical products. -
Clothes Moths Dislike Newspaper
Moths seem to avoid newspaper, possibly due to the ink. Placing sheets of newspaper between folded wool garments can help keep moths away. -
Insect Plug-ins That Emit Gas
Electric plug-in devices release a gas to repel moths, mosquitoes, and flies. Be cautious, as these devices may harm the environment and animals. Dispose of used refills properly. -
Cleaning Wardrobes with Vinegar Water
Vinegar is an effective household cleaner. It removes grease, lime, and bacteria, providing a sanitized surface. Regularly wiping your wardrobe with vinegar water helps keep it clean and moth-free. -
Moth Sprays for Easy Use
Manufacturer-recommended moth sprays can be applied directly to knitwear, offering up to three months of protection.
By adopting these measures, you can protect your wardrobe from moth infestations and preserve your garments.
Fighting clothes moths.
Clothes with moth infestation in the freezer
In our experience, the cold of the freezer is the safest pest control method for fighting moth eggs and larvae. When we receive a new delivery of knitted clothing, it is isolated in two freezers for a longer period of time to be on the safe side. If there is a pest infestation, you should therefore treat all the infested items at the same time if possible.
Using chemical products from the drugstore against clothes moths
We have tested "Aeroxon long-term moth protection". This product is for the immediate control of clothes moths and should offer reliable protection against new infestations. The active ingredient lasts for 6 months, which is also necessary for the control. The scent is certainly debatable.
Chemical-free natural moth control by parasitic wasps
These parasitic wasps are so small that they can be seen as small black dots on white paper. The tiny creatures lay their eggs in the clothes moth larvae and kill them. Here are a few tips on how the treatment works. You will receive several deliveries of these small parasitic wasps at intervals of around 2 weeks. You hang a piece of paper with wasps that have just hatched in the wardrobe. The tiny creatures look for their victims, the moth larvae, and lay their eggs in them. The moth larvae are eaten. The treatment lasts around 12 weeks or longer.
moth control with ozone generator
The ozone produced works to neutralize odors as well as to control pests and vermin. We use the ozone generator as a preventative measure and have had a positive experience in our store.
