How To Protect Your Home From Clothes Moths

Clothes moths can be a real nuisance in UK homes, causing damage to your favourite garments and household fabrics. Are you wondering how to deal with clothes moths in your home? This post should help you decide what to do.

What are clothes moths eating in your home?

These tiny insects are particularly drawn to natural fibres like wool, silk, and cashmere because they contain keratin, a protein that clothes moth larvae feed on. Clothes moths can quickly ruin clothes, carpets, and even upholstered furniture if left unchecked. The larvae, not the adult moths, are responsible for the damage, as they chew through fabrics to get the nutrients they need.

You might notice small holes in your clothes or find threads of fabric that have been eaten away. Because these pests often hide in dark, undisturbed areas, such as wardrobes and under furniture, the damage can go unnoticed until it’s severe. It’s important to regularly inspect your belongings for signs of clothes moths, especially if you have items made from natural fibres.

Steps to take to stop these insects causing damage

There are several steps you can take to protect your home from clothes moths. First, consider using pheromone moth traps and natural moth balls. Moth traps attract and capture adult male moths, reducing the population over time.

Another effective method is freezing infested items. Placing clothes in a sealed plastic bag and freezing them for a few days can kill both larvae and eggs. This is particularly useful for delicate items that you want to protect without using chemicals. Additionally, storing clothes in sealed bags can prevent moths from accessing your garments in the first place.

Despite taking these precautions, sometimes clothes moths can be persistent. If you notice ongoing damage, it might be time to seek professional help. Pest control experts such as ourselves, can assess the extent of the infestation and offer targeted treatments to eliminate the problem. We can also provide advice on how to prevent future infestations, ensuring your home remains moth-free.

Heat treatment for moths is an effective method to eliminate all stages of their lifecycle, including eggs, larvae, and adults. By raising the temperature of infested areas to above 50°C, heat treatment kills moths without the need for chemicals, making it a safe option for your home. This method is particularly useful for treating large items, such as carpets or furniture, that cannot be easily frozen and is a great way to avoid using insecticides. We use specialised equipment to ensure even heat distribution, ensuring thorough eradication of moths.