How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths: Natural, Chemical, and Professional Options

Clothes moths are indoor pests notorious for ruining the best threads in any closet. If detected too late, they can cause thousands of dollars of damage. They feed on animal protein, primarily keratin found in fur, wool, cashmere, feathers, animal hide, and hair. In other words, they have expensive taste—quite literally.

If you see any clothes moths, get rid of them fast before they wreak havoc on your favorite garments or valuable vintage and heirloom items. Several inexpensive chemical and natural DIY remedies can remove clothes moths; try all of them before seeking professional help. Here is an easy guide to help you decide which method to try first and what to do next if these destructive moths stick around longer than expected.

What Are Clothes Moths? 

Clothes moths are tiny winged insects that damage natural fibers, such as wool, silk, leather, and feathers. They stand out among their peers because not all moths damage clothes. Only two species do—the casemaking clothes moth and the webbing clothes moth. Both are about ¼ inch long and have a wingspan of approximately ½ inch. They are gold to yellowish-gray in color.

Webbing clothes moths and their larvae leave behind patches of silk webbing on the fabric where they feed. The casemaking moth, on the other hand, never leaves its silken casing behind. Often mistaken for pantry moths or carpet beetles, these clothes moths thrive in dark, undisturbed areas where they can lay their eggs. They enjoy closets, storage bins, and underneath furniture. Adult moths lay eggs on fabric, and the larvae voraciously feed on the material, causing irreparable damage to textiles.

Common Signs of a Clothes Moth Infestation

Two primary signs of a clothes moth infestation are spotting adult moths in dark areas and finding damaged clothing. In both cases, thoroughly inspect the area and all fabrics. Bring clothes into a well-lit space for a better view. This might disturb the moths, which dislike light and movement, and help begin eradication measures. Look for indicators, such as silk webbing, tunnels on fabrics, and small holes in natural fibers. Take immediate action when you see these signs to prevent an infestation.

Natural DIY Remedies to Get Rid of Clothes Moths

Natural DIY remedies for clothes moths include:

• Dry Cleaning or Hot Water: One way to eliminate cloth moths is to dry clean the affected items to prevent further damage. For items you can wash at home, use hot water, preferably over 120^°F.
• Freezing: You can also freeze affected items. Place infested garments in sealed plastic bags to prevent frost and condensation, which could damage the clothes. To kill moth eggs and larvae, place clothing in a freezer that maintains a temperature of 0^°F or colder for a week. Then, remove and air out the items.
• Sunlight: Expose affected clothing to direct sunlight, as UV rays can deter and kill clothes moths, their larvae, and eggs.
• Steaming: Insects are sensitive to temperature. Anything hotter than 122^°F will kill clothes moths by damaging their proteins. Use a clothes steamer to effectively eliminate them, especially the larvae. Steam the garment up and down, paying particular attention to places moths are likely to hide, such as pockets, cuffs, collars, and underarms.

• Essential Oils: Cedarwood, lavender, and eucalyptus oils are natural moth repellents. Apply them to cotton balls and place them in closets and drawers.
• Herbal Sachets: Fill sachets with dried herbs, such as lavender, thyme, cinnamon, or cloves, known for their moth-repelling properties. Place them where clothes moths like to hide.

Chemical Remedies to Get Rid of Clothes Moths

Chemical remedies for clothes moths include:

• Moth Traps: Sticky pheromone strips prevent clothes moths from breeding. The strips lure and trap adult male moths using pheromones that mimic the scents of female moths. This interrupts the breeding cycle and reduces the moth population overall. The sticky strips are also effective in helping to identify the extent of the infestation.
• Insecticidal Sprays: Choose an insecticidal spray labeled for clothes moths and apply it to affected areas, following the product's safety precautions.

Treatments Only Pros Can Use

If the problem is manageable, use a few of the DIY measures to tackle the clothes moths yourself. In severe cases, you may need the services of professionals to get rid of the moths. Fumigation is one of the treatments licensed pest control experts may use to eradicate moths at all life stages. In another method, pros use specialized equipment to heat infested items to temperatures lethal to moths and their larvae.

How to Prevent Clothes Moths

The first step in preventing clothes moths is keeping your home clean and well-organized. Vacuum and clean your entire home regularly, paying close attention to closets, storage areas, and upholstered furniture. Doing so will periodically remove moth eggs and larvae. Use soap and water to wipe down surfaces and thoroughly vacuum any cracks and crevices. Keep your living spaces clutter-free and well-ventilated to discourage moth infestations.

Wash dirty clothes, especially those with sweat or food stains, because they could attract moths. These stains provide larvae with nutrients, such as vitamin B and salt. If you buy used or vintage clothing, remember to wash any new purchases immediately before wearing them or introducing them to your closet.

Store off-season clothing in airtight containers or garment bags with all gaps and seams sealed with tape. Also, consider using moth repellants such as cedar blocks, mothballs, and cedar hangers. Take clothes out of plastic bags from a dry cleaner, as plastic attracts dust, which attracts moths.

Regularly inspect your clothing and textiles, such as curtains, tablecloths, and cloth napkins, for signs of moth activity, such as holes, larvae, or cocoons. Keep your rooms well-ventilated, and consider keeping a natural oil diffuser in your wardrobe at all times. It smells great and repels moths, too.