Clothes moths: how to recognise, catch and prevent them

Holes in wool jumpers, scarves or rugs usually come from clothes moths. It is not the moth that eats, but its larvae, which feed through wool, silk, fur and feathers in quiet, dark corners of the wardrobe. Spot the moths early and you save the rest of your wardrobe.

Straight to the solution: Get rid of clothes moths or go straight to the Super Ninja clothes moth trap.

How do you recognise clothes moths?

Clothes moths are small, pale golden brown moths just under a centimetre long. Unlike pantry moths they rarely fly and prefer to run; they avoid light. Typical signs are small irregular holes, fine webbing and tiny droppings the colour of the fabric, especially in places that are rarely moved.

What attracts clothes moths and where do they come from?

The larvae need keratin, a protein in animal fibres such as wool, cashmere, silk, fur, leather and feathers. Worn, unwashed clothes with skin flakes and sweat attract them most. Clothes moths come in through open windows or with second-hand furniture, rugs and clothing.

When are clothes moths around?

Outdoors they only breed in the warm months. In a heated home they breed all year round.

How fast do clothes moths breed?

A female lays up to 100 eggs, directly onto suitable fabrics. The larvae hatch after about a week and, depending on the temperature, feed for a few weeks to months before they pupate. Because the larvae are so small, you usually only notice an infestation from the holes.

Are clothes moths harmful or dangerous?

Not to your health, but they are to clothes and furnishings: the larvae eat holes in clothing, curtains, rugs, upholstery and blankets made of animal fibres.

How do you catch clothes moths?

With a pheromone trap such as the Super Ninja clothes moth trap. It attracts the males with the pheromone of their own species and holds them on a sticky surface. Fewer females are fertilised, and you can see whether there are still moths about. Hang the trap in the wardrobe or wherever you suspect moths, and check it every week. The trap catches males only: remove eggs and larvae from clothing with the tips below.

How do you keep clothes moths out of the wardrobe?

1. Only put away clean clothes. Wash worn wool before storing it, or have it dry cleaned.
2. Pack clothes well. Keep valuable items in tightly closing garment bags or boxes.
3. Use heat. Washing at 50 °C or more, or steam cleaning, kills eggs and larvae.
4. Use cold. Put delicate items in a bag in the freezer for about a week.
5. Vacuum thoroughly. Including the edges of rugs, under furniture and the bottom of the wardrobe, because larvae often sit there.

Moths in the food cupboard too? Read our guide Catching pantry moths.