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Clothes moth larvae can do considerable damage to certain types of fabrics and other natural articles. Generally, only items in long-term storage or those that are not disturbed for long periods sustain damage. Items that are regularly used and/or cleaned are much less likely to be infested.

Clothes moth larvae

Some clothes moth larvae build a case made of silk and bits of whatever the larva is feeding on (see photo below). This is the casemaking clothes moth and the case is carried wherever the larva goes, while other species do not make this case.

Clothes moth larvae are especially damaging to fabric that has been stained or soiled; food stains, sweat and urine are especially attractive. In fact, there is evidence that clothes moth larvae will not develop on clean fabric because it lacks certain necessary nutrients. Therefore, always launder or dry clean clothes before putting them into long-term storage.

Storage

Only use air-tight storage boxes or bags for long-term storage and store only clean clothes. This alone will prevent most infestations. Infested closets and drawers should be emptied and thoroughly cleaned with a mild household cleaner. There is no need to treat indoor spaces with insecticide.

Clothes moth traps

Clothes moths are not attracted to light like other moths but instead tend to seek darker areas or dim light. This behavior makes them difficult to detect in dark closets and drawers. You'll probably notice fabric damage or larvae before you see the moths themselves.

If you suspect clothes moth, based on damage you find, use pheromone traps placed in the closet or drawer. These traps will capture male webbing clothes moths. Traps for clothes moths and a variety of other pests can be purchased here: Insect & Spider Traps. Traps may not eliminate an infestation but will reduce numbers until you can take further action.

Don't use mothballs!

Clothes moth infestations are not as common and damaging today as they once were. Nowadays most wool carpet has been replaced with synthetics and even wool clothing is not as common. Wool rugs and wall hangings are sometimes infested and/or damaged.

At one time clothes moth damage was so common and costly that a material called mothballs was routinely placed in closets and drawers to deter these moths. However we do not recommend using mothballs for fabric pests anymore because of the toxicity of this material to people. See Why Mothballs Should NOT Be Used for details about not using mothballs. Most infestations can be eliminated with proper storage of clean clothes combined with cleaning of closets and draws, and trapping of male moths.

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