You can stop moths from damaging your clothes (stock image) (Image: Getty)
Nobody likes the idea of moths damaging their clothes, and a simple item can help to keep the pests away. While it’s long been said that cloves and lavender can help to prevent them from visiting, it turns out another item works best when it comes to stopping holes forming in clothes.
Expert advice has recently been shared to help people out, as the pests can be a big issue in May. Little you may know, it’s actually considered to be one of the prime months for moth spotting in the UK, as it marks the true start of “moth season”, so it’s good to remain vigilant.
It’s not the first tip of its kind to be shared recently either. Months ago, another hack was issued that should help to keep moths away from clothes.
If you’re getting ready to pack your woollies away for winter, moth protection may come to mind. But, according to pest control specialist, Adam Juson, founder of Merlin Environmental, many of us are missing the point.
He said: “By the time you see a moth flying around your wardrobe, they’ve almost certainly already hatched, fed and moved on. The real culprits are the moth larvae.”
The lifecycle of clothes moths is like any other Lepidoptera – eggs, larvae, pupae, then adult moth. “If you’ve ever read The Very Hungry Caterpillar, you’ll know that it’s the larval stage that causes problems,” added Adam. “After hatching, the larvae need food, and it just so happens to be natural fibres that they feed on.
“The bad news is that because the larvae are so small, you’ll probably have no idea that there is an infestation until they’re well beyond the eating stage, and your clothes will already be damaged.”
What you need to know
Not all fabrics are vulnerable to moths. Moth larvae favour natural fibres, such as wool, cashmere and silk, because they contain keratin, which is a protein also found in human hair and skin. But it’s not found in synthetic materials, which is why they’re less likely to be damaged.
However, even synthetic blends can become targets if they’re well-worn, warned Adam. He added: “While larvae prefer natural materials, if you put away unwashed clothing, sweat, body oils and food stains can draw larvae in.”
The larvae aren’t looking for somewhere to live. They’re seeking out nutrients, and clothing can carry a lot more than most of us would like to admit.
“The real risk is storing clothes that aren’t properly clean,” he added. “Even light wear leaves enough organic matter to attract them. So, how you store your clothes matters.”
How to keep them away
Everyone knows of at least one traditional moth repellent. Lavender, cedar and cloves all have their place, thanks mainly to their strong scents, but scents fade over time. And even the most potent odours won’t eliminate an existing infestation.
So, what can you do? Firstly, wash your clothes before storing them away for winter. That way, you’re removing the residues that give the larvae food.
The best way to protect your wardrobe is to wash or dry-clean garments before storage, use airtight or well-sealed storage bags, store items in clean, dry spaces and avoid overpacking, which can trap moisture.
It’s simple, cost-effective, and means that your favourite woollies won’t fall apart before next winter. So, it turns out, all you need is a storage bag to get the job done.
The best way to protect your clothes is to keep them covered. It’s as easy as that.