How to get rid of moths from wardrobes, carpets and vintage clothes http://bit.ly/2Mf2eNr

Follow our easy guide on how to get rid of moths. Our tips should keep these pesky creatures out of your wardrobe and away from your clothes for good

Summer is a reason for so many celebrations, there’s eton mess and summer holidays, but there is a serious downside. We’ve all been there, excitedly pulling out our sun dresses from the back of the wardrobe and, to our horror, finding them riddled with moth holes. Yes, it means you can go shopping for a new holiday wardrobe, but it doesn’t feel the same knowing you’ll just be sacrificing it to the moths in two months time. Plus, it’s got you on edge about the safety of your favourite cashmere cardigan.

We’ve all been there, the victim of a moth feeding frenzy.  Invisible mending will only get you so far, it’s time to tackle your moth problem head on. Like with most things prevention is key in keeping your wardrobe safe from the moth munchies. Those pesky moths are drawn to dark and damp spaces, so it’s important to keep your wardrobe clean and well-ventilated. Similarly, you’ll want to start washing your clothes more often, particularly your knitwear, as moths love the smell of human sweat.

More pest-related tips: How to get rid of ants

We’re got some great tips to get rid of moths and keep your favourite outfits free of tell-tale holes. But first, let’s answer a few common moth-related questions.

Which moths eat clothes?

There are over 2,500 species of moths in the UK, but only six of these species eats clothing. These include the Common Clothes Moth and the Case Bearing Clothes Moth. Moths breed continuously all year round, but are at their most prevalent between June and October.

Do moths eat clothes?

Not exactly. Adult moths do not have mouths, so those irritating holes are actually caused by moth eggs and caterpillar-like larvae chewing through your clothes. So while seeing moths flying around in your home is a problem, but the main issue is their caterpillars, which are doing all the damage.

And now those tips…

How to get rid of moths in clothes

1. Deep-clean your wardrobe and your clothes

Image credit: Trevor Richards

The telltale signs that you have a moth infestation are signs of larvae, which look like small grains of white rice, webbing and cocoons in the corners of your wardrobe and cupboards. Give your wardrobe a good vacuum, followed by a wipe down with a damp cloth spritzed with an anti-bacterial spray. Vinegar diluted with water will also work a treat for keeping your wardrobe clean and (hopefully) moth free.

2. Spread clothes out in the wardrobe

This makes it harder for larvae to migrate between items of clothing, it will also help keep your wardrobe well ventilated. Moths love nothing more than warm, humid spaces.

3. Keep your clothes clean

Moths are attracted to the smell of human sweat, and the larvae will live off this and any food stains. Wash clothes regularly, especially knitwear, to avoid infestations, and don’t leave dirty clothes in piles for longer than a few days.

If you suspect you have a possible-infestation, wash your clothes on a high heat, get them dry-cleaned, or put them in the freezer for a few days to kill any eggs or larvae.

Read more: How to get rid of fleas

4. Use natural moth repellants like cedar wood, lavender and eucalyptus

Image credit: Polly Eltes

Use natural products to provide extra protection for clothes and minimize harm from moths. While they love the smell of sweat, moths hate the smell of cedar wood, lavender and eucalyptus (strange creatures). You can buy plenty of lavender scented moth repellent sachets or cassettes from Amazon or Lakeland, but if you can try a few more natural remedies. Cedar wood blocks or sachets of lavender look gorgeous hung from coat hangers, but will also make sure your fluttery visitors stay well away.

If a cedar block loses its scent, sand it down and add a few more drops of cedar oil to it to keep it performing effectively.

By using lavender-scented detergent and linen water, you’ll deter moths from making a home in your linen cupboard. This has the added advantage of keeping your sheets smelling fresh.

5. Take extra care with expensive clothes

Store valuable skirts, shirts, dresses, suits and coats in garment bags, and dry clean them often to keep the problem at bay. However, almost take clothes out of dry-cleaning bags because the plastic will attract dust, and moths love a bit of dust.

6. Store your winter clothes correctly

Wash your winter clothes before packing them away for the summer, and store them in vacuum-packed bags. If you have cashmere jumpers or scarves, wrap them in tissue and store them in a lidded box with a sachet of silica to absorb any dampness.

Whatever you do, avoid cardboard boxes, as moths can chew their way through these without any problems.

7. Deep clean any vintage finds

Vintage clothes are often the source of moth infestations, so be sure to wash or dry clean them, before slotting them in beside your collection of wool jumpers.

How to get rid of moths from carpets

Image credit: Matt Antrobus

You have been diligent in protecting your wardrobe from moths, but unfortunately thats not the only place they can infest. The winged creatures often lay their eggs in carpets, preferably in areas where the larvae can hatch and feed undisturbed; such as on keratin in the wool. The damage occurs mostly around the edges of a room, especially if the carpet is shaded or covered by a rug. Open areas with lots of foot traffc and natural light are rarely attacked, so activity on your stair carpet will be along the skirting or stair strings.

To eliminate carpet moths, use a moth spray designed for use on carpets. You need only apply it along the edges, but ensure the treatment reaches the base of the tufts, where the larvae feed, by parting the rows with your hand – repeat after 30 days.

Buy Now: Pro-Active C Moth control spray, £11.70 for 1 litre, Pest Control Direct 

If the infestation is serious and you’d like a professional assessment, Rentokil, offers a free survey with advice on treatment.

Going forward, it’s key to vacuum regularly, taking care to run under furniture that sits on carpet, or where clothes are stored – for example, under the bed. You could have your carpets professionally cleaned every three months for maximum protection.

Read more: How to care for wool carpets

We hope this helps to get rid of your moth infestation and prevent moths from returning in the future. Do you have any other top tips for getting rid of moths from your home?

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