How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths: Our Top Tricks
As you declutter and organize your belongings for the season, it’s important to be on the lookout for unwanted guests: clothes moths. These pesky insects can wreak havoc on your fabrics, leaving behind unsightly holes and damage.
To prevent and address a clothes moth infestation, keep an eye out for signs of damage, such as holes in clothing or fabrics stored in dark areas. Follow TNC Self Storage’s tips below on how to get rid of clothes moths and protect your belongings from future infestations.
How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths (in Home Storage & Storage Units)
Identify the Type of Moth
Do you actually have clothes moths? If you notice a moth in your home, do not worry right away. Many moths that might find their way into your home are after plants, not your clothing. Only two moth species are a threat to your clothes: the casemaking clothes moth and the webbing clothes moth—both a yellow or gray color, about 1 cm long.
Next, look for holes. You will be able to identify a clothes moth by the web left behind on the material. The moths’ babies are actually the root of the problem, not the adult moths. They prefer dark, humid spaces and prefer to eat materials like wool, cashmere, and fur that come from animals.
Clean Your Clothes and Space
OK, so you’ve identified the clothes moths. Now what?
For materials that unfortunately were damaged past the point of repair, you should throw them away. Materials with only slight damages can be salvaged with a wash using warm water or dry cleaning. Always check the tags on your clothes before attempting to wash them.
You will also want to clean your storage space, whether that be a closet, attic, basement, or storage unit. Vacuum the area and immediately throw away the vacuum bag. If you are dealing with a carpeted space, it may also be worth it to steam clean the area for safe measures.
Learn to Prevent Future Clothes Moths
Now that you have gotten rid of the immediate issue, it is time to set up some precautions for the future. Pack your remaining clothing into sealed bins or bags. If you choose to use garment bags, tape up any potential hole spaces, like seams, for additional security and peace of mind.
Another option is to move your storage space around frequently—reorganizing, swapping items in and out, etc. These moths dislike movement and light, so do your best to keep your storage unit from becoming a dark, moist environment.
Visiting your storage unit often will give you the opportunity to open up your storage unit to allow for ventilation.
Secure Storage Space with TNC Self Storage in Souderton, PA
Now that you have a better understanding of how to get rid of clothes moths, let us help you find secure storage space for your clothing nearby.
TNC Self Storage is your first choice for affordable storage units in Souderton, PA. Choose from a variety of storage amenities, including temperature-controlled storage units, convenient drive-up storage units, indoor storage units, and parking for personal vehicles.
For your security, all storage units are housed within a gated and fenced perimeter, with 24-hour security cameras and secure keypad access. Feel confident storing your personal items at TNC Self Storage this year.
Call or email the store today or stop by in person to chat with our team of storage experts!
Rent or Reserve Your Unit Online
Comfortable with handling your rental remotely? TNC Self Storage gives you helpful resources on our website, so you can browse through our available storage units, find the storage unit size you need, and compare options.
Tim Glasow
About the Author: Tim is the SEO Manager at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. He is a self-storage industry specialist who has written about everything from storage advice and helpful resources to industry trends. In his free time, Tim enjoys sampling craft beer and exploring the local music scene.
