How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths
Looking for a way to get rid of clothes moths? When individuals are cleaning out their closets for spring cleaning, this is a frequent question. Clothes moths are not a pleasant surprise to find when organizing and packing, but there are a few things you can do to correct the problem and avoid future damage. Be sure to look for holes in clothing and fabrics that have been stored in a dark place. Follow Stack-N-Stor’s suggestions below to eliminate clothes moths and prevent them from entering your storage container!
How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths (in Home Storage & Storage Units)
Identify the Problem
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.
Prevent Future Clothes Moths with These Tips
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.
Stack-N-Stor Self Storage in New York
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. Stack-N-Stor is a reliable and affordable storage option for residents in upstate New York. Our three locations in Milton, Patterson, and Rotterdam offer a variety of unit sizes and features to accommodate your needs. You can purchase moving supplies on site, and our facilities are equipped with 24/7 recording cameras and secure keypad access. In addition, our month-to-month rental agreements are perfect for college students looking for short or long term storage options. Find the Stack-N-Stor facility nearest you to get started!
Milton, NY · Patterson, NY · Rotterdam, NY
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Tim Glasow
About the Author: Tim is an SEO Strategist 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.
