How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths: Protecting Your Wardrobe from Silent Destroyers

Moths have been waging war on human clothing since we first started weaving fibers into fabric. These tiny winged saboteurs operate in darkness, leaving behind a trail of holes that can transform a beloved cashmere sweater into Swiss cheese. Unlike their flashier cousins who dance around porch lights, clothes moths prefer the shadows of your closet, methodically munching through wool, silk, and other natural fibers with the patience of a master craftsman—if that craftsman's sole purpose was destruction.

I've battled these pests in three different homes across two decades, and each encounter taught me something new about their sneaky habits. The first time I discovered moth damage, I was pulling out my grandmother's vintage wool coat for a winter wedding. What should have been a moment of nostalgic joy turned into horror as I unfolded the garment to reveal dozens of irregular holes, as if someone had taken tiny bites out of the fabric. That coat, which had survived World War II and countless family gatherings, had been reduced to tatters by insects smaller than a fingernail.

Understanding Your Enemy

Clothes moths aren't actually interested in your wardrobe for fashion reasons. They're after keratin, the protein found in animal-based fibers. Two main culprits terrorize closets worldwide: the webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the casemaking clothes moth (Tinea pellionella). Both are surprisingly small—about half an inch long—with buff-colored wings that they rarely use for flying. In fact, if you see a moth fluttering around your bedroom, it's probably not the type that eats clothes. The real villains prefer to scurry along surfaces, staying hidden in the darkest corners of your storage spaces.

The adult moths themselves don't eat fabric. It's their larvae that cause all the damage, and these cream-colored caterpillars can spend anywhere from a month to two years in this destructive stage, depending on temperature and food availability. They particularly love soiled fabrics—sweat, food stains, and body oils are like seasoning on their fiber feast. I once found larvae thriving on a wool scarf that had a tiny splash of red wine I'd forgotten about from a holiday party.

Temperature plays a fascinating role in their life cycle. These pests thrive between 70-80°F, which happens to be the exact temperature range most of us keep our homes. Below 40°F, their metabolism slows to a crawl, and above 95°F, they start to struggle. This knowledge becomes crucial when planning your counterattack.

Detection and Assessment

Finding moths before they find your favorite sweater requires vigilance and knowing where to look. Start with the obvious signs: irregular holes in natural fiber clothing, especially in areas that touch the body when worn (underarms, collars, cuffs). But moths leave other calling cards too. Look for silken tubes or cases attached to fabric—these are shelters created by casemaking moth larvae. Webbing moths leave behind sticky webs that look like cobwebs but feel different to the touch.

I developed a monthly inspection routine after my second moth invasion. Pull everything out of your closet—yes, everything—and examine each piece in bright light. Pay special attention to items you haven't worn in months. Moths prefer undisturbed areas, so that wool blazer pushed to the back is prime real estate for them. Check along seams, under collars, and in pockets. Run your hands along the walls and floor of your closet, feeling for the gritty sensation of larvae casings or frass (moth droppings that look like tiny sand grains).

Pheromone traps serve double duty as both detection tools and partial control measures. These sticky traps release synthetic female moth pheromones that attract males. While they won't eliminate an infestation, they're excellent early warning systems. I keep one in each closet year-round—think of them as security cameras for your wardrobe.

Immediate Response Tactics

When you discover active moths or larvae, swift action prevents a minor problem from becoming a textile catastrophe. First, isolate affected items immediately. I use large plastic bags, sealing each piece separately to prevent cross-contamination. This isn't the time for half-measures or hoping the problem resolves itself.

Freezing ranks among the most effective non-chemical treatments. Place infested items in sealed plastic bags and freeze at 0°F or below for at least 72 hours. Some experts recommend a week to ensure complete kill. The cold crystallizes the moisture in moth eggs and larvae, destroying them at the cellular level. After my wine-stained scarf incident, I adopted a policy of freezing any vintage or secondhand clothing purchases before introducing them to my wardrobe—a preemptive strike that's saved countless garments.

Heat treatment works equally well but requires more caution. Clothes moths and their offspring die when exposed to temperatures above 120°F for 30 minutes. However, many fabrics can't withstand such heat without damage. For items that can handle it, a hot dryer cycle often suffices. I've successfully treated wool blankets this way, though I always test a small, hidden area first.

Thorough cleaning of the infested area is non-negotiable. Vacuum every surface—walls, baseboards, carpet edges, and especially crevices where larvae might hide. Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister outside. I learned this lesson the hard way when moths reappeared after I'd vacuumed but left the bag in the machine. Wash the closet with a solution of water and white vinegar, which helps eliminate any pheromone trails that might attract new moths.

Natural Prevention Methods

Cedar's reputation as a moth deterrent is well-deserved, though often misunderstood. Fresh cedar wood contains natural oils that repel adult moths and can kill young larvae. However, cedar loses potency over time. Those cedar blocks your grandmother swore by need periodic sanding to expose fresh wood, or you can refresh them with cedar essential oil. I rotate my cedar items seasonally, sanding some while others are in use.

Lavender offers another aromatic defense. While it won't kill moths, the scent genuinely repels them. I grow lavender in my garden specifically for this purpose, drying bundles each summer to tuck into drawers and closets. The French have used this method for centuries, and there's something deeply satisfying about following such an old tradition. Plus, your clothes smell like a Provençal field rather than mothballs.

Other herbs show promise too. Rosemary, thyme, cloves, and bay leaves all contain compounds moths find unpleasant. I make sachets combining these herbs, replacing them every few months as the scent fades. One winter, I experimented with placing whole cloves in coat pockets—not only did it deter moths, but my coats smelled like mulled wine.

Proper storage might be the most underrated prevention method. Clean clothes before storing them—even invisible perspiration or perfume residue attracts moths. I've become almost obsessive about this, washing or dry cleaning everything before seasonal storage. Use airtight containers when possible. Those vacuum-sealed bags marketed for space-saving also excel at moth prevention. For hanging garments, canvas garment bags beat plastic, which can trap moisture and create other problems.

Chemical Solutions

Sometimes natural methods aren't enough, and you need to bring in the big guns. Mothballs remain effective but come with significant drawbacks. The active ingredients—naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene—are toxic to humans and pets. The smell permeates everything and lingers for months. I used mothballs once in desperation and spent the next year trying to air out the affected clothes. They worked, but at what cost?

Modern moth crystals and packets offer similar protection with less offensive odors. Look for products containing transfluthrin or other synthetic pyrethroids. These chemicals interfere with moths' nervous systems while posing minimal risk to mammals when used as directed. Place them in breathable sachets rather than directly on clothes to prevent staining.

For severe infestations, residual sprays designed specifically for fabric pests can treat closet surfaces. These create a barrier that kills moths and larvae on contact for several months. Always remove clothing before spraying and allow surfaces to dry completely. I reserve this nuclear option for situations where other methods have failed, like when I discovered moths had invaded the attic where I stored vintage textiles.

Long-term Strategies

Winning the war against clothes moths requires thinking strategically about your entire home environment. Climate control makes a huge difference. Maintaining humidity below 50% creates an inhospitable environment for moths, who prefer moisture. I invested in a dehumidifier for my basement storage area after realizing the damp conditions were practically rolling out a welcome mat for pests.

Regular wardrobe rotation serves multiple purposes. Wearing and moving clothes disturbs moths and exposes hidden problems before they escalate. I've restructured my closet organization to ensure nothing stays untouched for more than a few months. Even formal wear gets aired out and inspected regularly.

Consider your home's entry points. Moths often hitchhike inside on secondhand clothing, antique rugs, or even groceries (pantry moths and clothes moths are cousins). I've instituted a quarantine system for vintage purchases—they live in sealed bags on my enclosed porch for a week before earning closet privileges. This might seem extreme, but it's far less extreme than losing irreplaceable garments.

Professional pest control should be considered for persistent problems. Some companies specialize in museum-quality textile preservation and can treat entire rooms with controlled atmospheres or temperature manipulation. The cost might seem steep, but compared to replacing a wardrobe or losing family heirlooms, it's often worthwhile.

Special Considerations

Different fabrics require different approaches. Silk, being more delicate than wool, can't always withstand high heat or freezing. For these items, I rely more heavily on preventive measures and gentle cleaning. Fur and leather need special attention too—moths love the proteins in these materials, but many moth-prevention chemicals can damage them. Professional cold storage might be the best option for valuable fur pieces.

Antique textiles deserve extra care. That Victorian wedding dress or hand-woven tapestry represents irreplaceable craftsmanship. For these treasures, I recommend acid-free tissue paper, archival boxes, and regular inspections. Some museums use anoxic treatments—sealing items in oxygen-free environments that suffocate pests without using chemicals. While not practical for everyday clothes, it's worth considering for true heirlooms.

Children's clothing poses unique challenges. You want to protect those tiny wool sweaters and silk christening gowns, but safety concerns limit your options. I stick to freezing, cedar, and meticulous storage for baby clothes, avoiding any chemical treatments. Teaching older children to check their own clothes for signs of damage turns moth prevention into a family affair.

Recovery and Restoration

Even with the best prevention, sometimes moths win a battle. When you discover damage, don't immediately discard affected items. Minor holes in wool can often be repaired through felting or darning. I taught myself invisible mending techniques after moths attacked a cashmere cardigan—the repair process was meditative, and the sweater now has even more personal value.

For valuable pieces, professional restoration might be worthwhile. Textile conservators can work miracles with damaged fabrics. They might reweave sections, stabilize weakened areas, or creatively incorporate damage into the garment's story. One restorer I consulted transformed moth holes in a vintage coat into deliberate-looking decorative elements with embroidery.

Sometimes damage is too extensive for repair. When this happens, consider repurposing rather than discarding. That moth-eaten wool blanket might become felted crafting material. A damaged sweater could be unraveled and the good yarn reused. I've turned moth-damaged cashmere into luxurious pillow stuffing—at least the moths have good taste.

Moving forward after an infestation requires psychological as well as practical adjustments. The paranoia is real—you'll find yourself checking every tiny speck on your clothes, wondering if it's a moth egg. This hypervigilance actually helps prevent future problems. Channel that anxiety into developing better storage habits and regular inspection routines.

Remember that complete moth eradication is probably impossible. These insects have been around far longer than humans and will outlast us all. The goal isn't to create a sterile, moth-free bubble but to manage their presence and protect what matters most. After twenty years of moth battles, I've reached a détente with these persistent pests. They can have the occasional wool sock if they leave my good sweaters alone.

Every moth encounter teaches something new. Maybe it's discovering that they've developed a taste for that wool-silk blend you thought was safe, or finding an innovative storage solution that actually works. The key is staying adaptable and remembering that vigilance, not perfection, wins this war. Your clothes will thank you, and perhaps more importantly, you'll sleep better knowing your wardrobe isn't serving as an all-night moth buffet.

Authoritative Sources:

Bry, Ruth E., et al. Clothes Moths and Carpet Beetles: Biology and Control. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Home and Garden Bulletin No. 211, 1979.

Cox, P.D. and Pinniger, D.B. "Biology, Behaviour and Environmentally Sustainable Control of Tineola bisselliella (Hummel) (Lepidoptera: Tineidae)." Journal of Stored Products Research, vol. 43, no. 1, 2007, pp. 2-32.

Florian, Mary-Lou E. Heritage Eaters: Insects & Fungi in Heritage Collections. James & James, 1997.

Pinniger, David. Pest Management in Museums, Archives and Historic Houses. Archetype Publications, 2001.

Robinson, William H. Urban Insects and Arachnids: A Handbook of Urban Entomology. Cambridge University Press, 2005.

Strang, Thomas J.K. "A Review of Published Temperatures for the Control of Pest Insects in Museums." Collection Forum, vol. 8, no. 2, 1992, pp. 41-67.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Clothes Moths." EPA.gov, www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/clothes-moths. Accessed 2023.

Zycherman, Lynda A., and J. Richard Schrock, editors. A Guide to Museum Pest Control. Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, 1988.