These small, inconspicuous creatures feed on natural textiles. They enjoy wool, cotton, silk, and even fur. If you don’t get rid of them in time, your wardrobe could suffer irreversible damage. How can you eliminate moths from your closet once and for all? We've gathered practical tips and tricks from professionals and grandmothers alike.
Imagine putting on your favourite sweater only to discover tiny holes. One possible culprit behind this unexpected new design could be clothing moths. They are an unwelcome surprise that can cause significant damage and ruin your entire day.
How Do You Know You Have Moths?
These small, light brown moths are inconspicuous, but you’ll notice their presence when you carefully inspect your clothing and the dark corners of your closet.
1. Holes in Clothing
Moths mainly feed on natural materials like wool, cashmere, silk, and fur. The holes are small, irregular, and can also appear along seams or inside the clothing.
2. Cobwebs or Sticky Threads
Moth larvae create fine silk cocoons in dark corners of the closet or directly on fabrics.
3. Larvae or Shed Skins from Old Larvae
Moth larvae are small, white or cream-coloured caterpillars with a brown head (about 1 cm long). After hatching, they leave behind empty skins or cocoons in closet corners, under clothing, or in fabric folds.
4. Adult Moths Flying Around the Closet
Clothing moths are small (5–10 mm), yellowish-brown, and fly slowly. You’re most likely to notice them in the evening under the light when you disturb them while taking items out of the closet.
5. Odour or Stained Fabrics
Infested clothing may have a musty smell. Moths also leave dark stains, which are their droppings or remnants of larvae.
How to Get Rid of Moths
If you suspect something suspicious is happening in your closet, it's time to take action.
1. Check Your Closet – If there are small holes in your clothing or webbing in the closets, moths have already settled in.
2. Wash and Vacuum – Wash infested clothing at high temperatures or place it in the freezer for 48 hours. Thoroughly vacuum and disinfect the closets and drawers.
3. Use Natural Repellents – Lavender, cedar wood, cloves, or bay leaves naturally repel moths. Our grandmothers used to place them in cloth bags and spread them around different areas of the closet.
4. Use Fragrance Tags – They naturally repel moths and fill your closet with a subtle fragrance.
5. Use Clothing Moth Traps – They work on the principle of pheromones, which attract males and prevent reproduction.
Once your closet is cleaned, it’s important to ensure that the moths don’t return. There are several ways to prevent their reappearance and get rid of them for good. You can choose from natural or chemical solutions. When deciding, consider the extent of the infestation, how quickly you want to eliminate the moths, and don’t forget about prevention.
How to Prevent Moths from Returning?
The best way to ensure a moth-free closet is prevention.
- Regularly Air Out Your Closet – Moths dislike airflow and light.
- Wash Clothing Before Storing – The more fragrant the clothes, the fewer moths you'll have.
- Use Protective Garments Bags – Store seasonal items in vacuum bags or fabric covers.
- Use Fragrance Tags or Diffusers – Their scent will deter moths from visiting while adding a pleasant touch of comfort to your home.
Regular inspection, cleanliness, and proper protection of your clothing are essential. If you want to not only protect your closets but also add a pleasant fragrance, check out our range of fragrance tags and diffusers, which are ideal for repelling moths and refreshing your wardrobe.
Fragrance Tags
Fragrance tags are practical, effective, and very easy to use. Simply hang them on a clothes hanger or place them between individual items. Infused with essential oils and ingredients like lavender, cedar, cloves, rosemary, and mint, they repel moths. Additionally, they provide a long-lasting scent in your closet and keep your clothes fresh.
Diffusers
After addressing the moth infestation, you’ll need an effective way to prevent their return. You can place reed diffusers in your closet or wardrobe. They will release the fragrance more quickly and also serve as a preventative measure. If the scent feels too strong, simply reduce the number of reeds in the diffuser. On the other hand, if the scent seems to fade, replenish the reeds and remember to turn them regularly.
A single diffuser will last from 50 to 80 days, depending on:
- the number of reeds used,
- the frequency of turning the reeds,
- the placement of the diffuser,
- the size of the space
- the conditions, such as humidity, temperature, and air circulation.
Chemical Solutions
- Insecticidal Sprays – They can quickly eliminate existing moths and their larvae.
- Hanging Repellents – Contain active substances that repel moths.
- Fumigators and Smoke Bombs – Release smoke that penetrates all areas of the closet, destroying both larvae and adult moths.
WARNING! When using chemical products, ensure safety, especially if you have children or pets. Use protective equipment during application and thoroughly ventilate the area afterward.
Have you found uninvited guests at home? Try fighting them with the magical scents of Puella, which will brighten your day, and you won’t even think about the moths.