How to Identify Moth Holes in Clothes?

However, moth holes are common household pests that feed on clothes, carpets, and furnishings. Thus, the issue arises of how to identify moth holes in clothes and what the cure is. These moth holes get active from May until October, and you can use our pest control services in USA. Call our agents and book your slots before the moth holes become dangerous.

What are the First Signs of Clothes Moths?

Clothes moths are tiny and pale and hide in dark places, making it hard to see. Therefore, there are certain factors through which you can ensure that clothes moths are in your home. 

• You will spot tiny holes in your clothes or thinner patches in your carpets, curtains, rugs, or furnishings.
• However, the holes can become bigger with time when the larvae grow and eat more.
• Clothes moth larvae produce white webbing, which they feed on, leaving trails behind. 

What Do Clothes Moth Eat?

Clothes moths rely on many fabrics, and you must find out how to identify moth holes in clothes. According to that, you can find a cure to eliminate them. 

• The larvae feed on not the adult moths.
• These moths prefer to feed on wool, silk, fur, feathers, and leather, but they can also eat any fiber, such as cotton and carpets.
• Larvae feed on wool as it contains keratin, a protein that larvae can digest.
• The clothes are moth-like and hide in dark places so that they will be found in drawers, closets, and wardrobes. 

The Lifecycle of Clothes Moth

The eggs typically hatch after 4 to 10 days, including white larvae emerging. Initially, these are only a few millimeters but grow 10mm later. Henceforth, the starving larvae start feeding on the fibrous close to them and live up to 30 months. 

However, they form a cocoon and then mutate into adult form. And they start mating and laying eggs, beginning the process from the start. 

Are Clothes Moths Dangerous?

Clothes moths are not directly dangerous to humans; they don’t bite, sting, or spread diseases. However, they can damage clothing, textiles, and furnishings. Their feeding can ruin clothing, carpets, upholstery, and other items made from animal-based fibers, leading to costly damage over time. 

Types of Clothes Moths

The two most common types are the webbing clothes moth and the casemaking clothes moth. Both types lay eggs that hatch into fiber-eating larvae.

Damage to Clothing and Fabrics

Clothes moth larvae feed on natural fibers, especially those with keratin, a protein found in animal-based materials. They are often drawn to dirty or stained items, especially those with sweat or food spills.

Infestation Signs

Clothes moth infestations can be recognized by tiny holes in clothing, silk webbing from larvae, or small, white larvae crawling on fabrics. Adult moths are tiny and often hide in dark, undisturbed areas like closets and storage boxes.

Preventive Measures 

Keeping clothes clean, using moth repellents, and storing items in sealed containers can help prevent infestations. Regular cleaning and airing out storage spaces also help deter clothes moths.

How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths?

• Check your clothes for small holes, larvae, and adult moths. Moth larvae damage as they eat natural fibers like wool, silk, and cotton.
• You must separate the infested items from clean clothes. 
• You must wash your clothes in hot water and dry them at a high temperature if the fabric allows. 

• Clean your drawers, shelves, and closets to remove any larvae or eggs, especially at corners, cracks, and crevices.
• Use a cloth with a mixture of vinegar and water to wipe down storage areas. 
• You can also keep a pheromone moth traps in your closet or storage area. 
• Use garment bags made of breathable material for longer-term storage, especially for natural fabrics.
• Use lavender sachets, cedar blocks, or essential oils like cedar or eucalyptus. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to tell if clothes have moth holes?

Clothes moths are tiny, irregularly shaped holes that damages fibres, like wool, silk, carpets, or furnishings. If you find holes or thinner patches in your carpets, curtains, rugs, or furnishings, it means that your clothes have moths. 

Should I throw clothes with moth holes?

You can wash the clothes with hot water and adding vinegar into it. If still the cloth is damaged, you have to discard the clothes. However, you can call our agent to book your pest control service. 

What kills moths instantly?

To kill clothes moths instantly, you must use hot soapy water solution, freezing items up to 72 hours will also kill moths, and the permannet solution is to book pest control service and eliminate clothes moths from your house. 

Which smell does moths hate?

Moths hate the smell of lavender and cedar the most. If you spray these fragrances the moths will disappear from your closet, or drawers. Moreover, to remove moths you must book the pest control services.