They are not always stored in breathable, moth-proof garment storage bags, and often lay untouched for months on end. Often these items lay unmoved in the dark for years, and so creating the perfect environment for a really serious clothes moth infestation. It may be only time before the moths migrate to your wardrobe in search of the soft, tasty cashmere! Do Moths Eat Other Fabrics? How can you tell if you have or are soon going to have moth damage? So, there are visual clues to tell if you have a problem with moths eating clothes and other home textiles: Can you see any webbing thin, translucent, like spun silk or cases from clothes moths?
Have you seen adult clothes moths flying or more likely resting in dark places? Lambswool vs Merino Wool September 29, Read article ».
What Are Mothballs Used For? September 23, Read article ». You Can Do It! Mohair vs Wool September 02, Read article ». Camel Hair Fabrics August 26, Read article ». Ask an adult to send your question to us. They can:. Please tell us your name, age and which city you live in.
You can send an audio recording of your question too, if you want. Send as many questions as you like! Portsmouth Climate Festival — Portsmouth, Portsmouth. Operation Clothes Moth showed it was more widespread than we probably thought. There are a range of reasons for the rising numbers. Hotter winters are almost certainly to blame, plus the fact we keep our homes so warm. Our housekeeping is probably not what it once was, either. Washing clothes at a lower temperature saves energy, but it means eggs are not being killed.
This is less of a problem if you wear something regularly, but lots of us have so many clothes that outfits go unworn for months or even years. There has also been a shift back to natural fibres in carpeting and clothing, which has created food for the pests. Even worse, I know one house where they blew wool in cavity walls. She cleaned the house from top to bottom and put insecticides down.
She discovered her clothes were being ruined, including a treasured and expensive coat. Carpets were devoured and had to be pulled up. She has tried hanging up bags of herbs and cedarwood, but nothing has worked. Every morning when I wake up there are about 10 or 12 on the wall. That is often around this time of year.
Each female can lay eggs. Infestations may also originate from bird nests or animal carcasses present in attics, chimneys or wall cavities. Controlling clothes moths requires a thorough inspection to locate all infested items. Larvae prefer to feed in dark, undisturbed areas where woolens and other susceptible items are stored for long periods.
When inspecting clothing, pay attention to seams, folds, and creases e. Larvae also may be found along and beneath edges of rugs and carpeting. Use needle-nose pliers to lift the outer edge of wall-to-wall carpet from the tack strip along baseboards. Occasionally, infestations may originate from bird or animal nests in an attic, chimney, or wall cavity. Infested items and susceptible articles nearby should be laundered, dry-cleaned or discarded.
Bagging heavily infested items before disposal can help prevent further spread of the moths. Dry-cleaning or hot laundering kills any eggs or larvae that may be present. Heat generated by a clothes dryer is effective as well.
Vacuuming floors, carpets, and inside heating vents effectively removes larvae as well as hair and lint, which could support future infestations.
Be sure to vacuum along and beneath edges of carpets, along baseboards, underneath furniture and stored items, and inside closets and quiet areas where clothes moths as well as carpet beetles prefer to feed. Insecticides applied to infested rugs and carpets may be helpful as a supplement to good housekeeping. Sprays recommended for flea control see University of Kentucky Entomology Entfact , or with fabric insects listed on the label are effective. Infested clothing or bedding should not be treated with insecticides.
Elimination of persistent infestations in homes or businesses may require the help of a professional pest control firm.
Woolens and other susceptible items should be dry-cleaned or laundered before being stored for long periods. Cleaning kills any eggs or larvae that may be present, and removes perspiration odors that tend to attract pests. Articles to be stored should then be packed in tight-fitting plastic bags or containers. Householders intending to use moth-deterring balls, flakes or crystals should carefully read and follow label directions.
The volatile, odiferous products containing naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene can be hazardous if used incorrectly.
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