You’ve just pulled out a cherished blouse, only to find holes and loose threads, with tiny moth larvae tucked in the seams. Clothes moths are stealthy pests, targeting rarely used clothing stored away in dark spaces. They particularly love natural fibres like wool, cashmere, silk, and cotton. Even after a hot wash, these pests can persist, causing significant damage to your garments. If you’ve stored a beloved wedding dress or a suit that’s no longer your size in the back of a wardrobe, it’s important to periodically check for signs of clothes moths. These household pests can literally devour your clothing down to shreds, ruining both sentimental and valuable pieces.
What is a Clothes Moth?
Two common species of clothes moths found in Canberra are the webbing clothes moth and the casemaking clothes moth. Unlike other flying insects, clothes moths are weak fliers, preferring to settle in dark, quiet places where they can feast undisturbed.
- Webbing clothes moths are a golden colour with a reddish tuft of hair on their heads.
- Casemaking clothes moths are light brown with faint spots on their wings and carry a silken case that the larvae spin around themselves.
Both species have larvae that look similar, though casemaking moth larvae never venture far from their portable silk shelter. These larvae are the real culprits behind the destruction, silently feeding on your favourite clothes during the off-season, while you’re not looking.
How to Avoid Clothes Moths?
Preventing clothes moth infestations is always better than dealing with one. While ACT Pest Control is happy to assist when things go wrong, there are steps you can take to avoid an infestation altogether.
Here are some key prevention tips:
- Keep Clothes Clean: Clothes moths are particularly attracted to fabrics with food stains, sweat, body oils, and hair. Make sure to wash all garments, especially wool and silk, in hot water before storing them. The cleaner the clothing, the less appealing it is to moths.
- Vacuum-Seal and Store Properly: For seasonal clothes or items of sentimental value that you rarely wear, consider vacuum-sealed bags or garment bags to protect them from moths. Clothes moths thrive in undisturbed, dark spaces—so limiting access to your clothes is crucial.
- Use Moth Repellents: Lining drawers or shelves with anti-moth paper or using natural repellents such as cedar wood or lavender can help deter moths from settling in.
- Air Out Closets: Moths prefer stagnant, undisturbed areas. Occasionally airing out your closet and moving garments around can disrupt their life cycle and make your clothes less attractive to them.
How to Eliminate Clothes Moths in Canberra
While prevention is crucial, if you’ve already noticed signs of moth damage, it’s time to take immediate action. The first step is to clean out your closet completely:
- Empty the Closet: Remove all clothes, shoes, and accessories. Wipe down shelving, rods, and hangers with warm water and a mild detergent.
- Inspect Closely: Examine every item of clothing, particularly items made from natural fibres like wool, silk, and cashmere. Pay close attention to creases, folds, and seams for signs of larvae or adult moths.
- Use Vacuum-Sealed Bags: For clothes you won’t be wearing for a while, store them in vacuum-sealed bags or garment bags to prevent moth access.
- Anti-Moth Products: Place anti-moth paper or use natural repellents in drawers and closets to discourage moths from nesting.
If you find moth larvae or significant damage, it’s time to call ACT Pest Control for professional help. Our expert team can safely and effectively eliminate clothes moths using pet- and human-friendly treatments designed specifically for Canberra’s climate and pest conditions.
Moth Facts: Why Do Moths Target Soiled Clothes?
Clothes moths are not just attracted to natural fibres—they love fibres that are soiled. Stains, sweat, and oils provide additional nutrients for the larvae, which is why it’s essential to clean clothes thoroughly before storing them away. Moths in Canberra can thrive in forgotten piles of laundry or storage boxes with stained garments, making these spots prime locations for infestations.
When to Call ACT Pest Control
While it’s possible to manage minor infestations on your own, extensive damage or a large number of larvae requires professional intervention. ACT Pest Control provides comprehensive clothes moth treatments tailored to your home’s needs. We’ll assess the infestation and apply treatments that eliminate both the larvae and adult moths. We also offer preventative solutions to ensure your clothes stay safe in the future.
Our treatments are safe for your family and pets, and we provide expert advice on long-term prevention strategies, so you can store your clothes with confidence.
Contact ACT Pest Control Today
Don’t let clothes moths destroy your favourite garments or sentimental pieces. Contact ACT Pest Control today on 1300 022 122 for a professional clothes moth inspection and treatment plan in Canberra. We’ll help protect your wardrobe from further damage and ensure those treasured items stay in pristine condition.
