How to Keep Clothes Moths Out of Your Wardrobe This Party Season
The party season is fast approaching, and with it comes the return of silk dresses, cashmere jumpers, and tailored suits that have been stored away for months. But as you start planning your outfits, there may be some uninvited guests lurking quietly among your clothes… Clothes Moths.
These small insects are drawn to natural fibres and can cause significant damage if left unchecked. Tiny holes in a favourite jumper or a delicate evening dress can be devastating, especially when you’re preparing for a busy calendar of winter gatherings. The good news is that protecting your wardrobe doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple habits and the right products, you can enjoy the season with confidence, knowing your garments are safe from harm.
Why Clothes Moths Are More Active in Winter
While many people associate moths with summer, indoor heating during winter provides the perfect environment for Clothes Moths to thrive. Warm, undisturbed wardrobes with natural fibres offer ideal conditions for eggs and larvae to develop. Unlike many pests, Clothes Moths don’t hibernate - their life cycle continues year-round, especially in centrally heated homes.
Adult moths are rarely the problem. They don’t feed on fabric at all. The real damage is caused by the larvae, which hatch from eggs laid on suitable materials and feed on natural fibres rich in keratin. That’s why you might notice damage even when you haven’t seen a single moth flying around.
Materials Most at Risk
Clothes Moth Larvae prefer animal-based fibres that contain keratin, the protein found in hair, wool, and silk. Their diet focuses on natural fibres commonly used in luxury and winter clothing. The materials most at risk include:
- Wool, cashmere, and angora jumpers
- Silk dresses, blouses, and scarves
- Suits, coats, and tailoring made from wool or blends
- Fur, sheepskin, and leather items
- Decorative felt, feathers, or natural linings in accessories
Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and acrylic are less attractive to moths unless they’re blended with natural fibres or have food, sweat, or body oil residues. A wool-blend dress or a silk-lined jacket, for example, still provides everything larvae need to thrive.
How to Check for Early Signs of Damage
Before you start planning what to wear this party season, inspect your wardrobe carefully. Look for small holes, thinning areas in fabric, or fine webbing along seams and folds. Moth larvae often prefer hidden areas, such as under collars, cuffs, or inside pockets. You may also notice a musty smell in affected garments or find tiny, silvery moths fluttering near dark corners of your wardrobe.
If you spot these signs, it’s best to act quickly before the problem spreads. Moth eggs and larvae can be difficult to spot, but with regular checks and preventive measures, you can stop them from multiplying.
Step 1: Clean Thoroughly Before the Season
Before hanging up your favourite pieces for upcoming events, take time to clean your wardrobe and refresh stored garments. Vacuum corners, drawers, and the floor of your wardrobe to remove any dust or debris that could harbour moth eggs. Pay close attention to skirting boards, cracks, and behind furniture.
Wash or dry-clean any clothes that have been stored for a long time, even if they appear clean. Clothes Moth Larvae are attracted to trace residues of sweat, food and body oils. Freshly laundered garments are much less appealing to them.
Once clean, ensure everything is completely dry before returning it to storage. Moths prefer dark, undisturbed areas with moisture, so a well-aired space helps discourage them from settling in.
Step 2: Use Clothes Moth Traps
For continuous protection and early detection, Clothes Moth Traps are an essential tool. These traps use natural pheromones to attract and capture adult male moths, breaking the breeding cycle and helping you monitor activity. Place traps inside wardrobes, cupboards, or near stored garments, and check them regularly. If you find moths inside, it’s a clear sign that eggs or larvae may be present elsewhere. Replacing traps every 12 weeks ensures ongoing effectiveness, and using Moth Trap Refills is an easy and cost-effective way to maintain year-round protection.
By using refills consistently, you’ll always have traps working discreetly in the background, giving you peace of mind throughout the colder months when moth activity can still be high.
For more serious infestations where a stronger approach is needed, you may like to consider a Clothes Moth Killer Kit. These comprehensive kits combine fumigation, sprays, and residual protection to eliminate both adult moths and larvae, providing an effective solution for larger or recurring problems.
Step 3: Store Your Clothes Properly
When storing delicate or seasonal items, use breathable garment protection rather than plastic covers. Plastic can trap moisture, creating an environment that moths and mildew both love.
Instead, choose hanging garment bags designed to protect clothes while allowing air circulation and help safeguard your favourite pieces without using chemicals. These are ideal for hanging suits, dresses, and coats or storing cashmere and knitwear between wears.
For knitwear and items that can be folded, consider cotton storage bags to keep them neatly packed while still protected.
Step 4: Keep Your Wardrobe Fresh and Disturbed
Clothes Moths thrive in stillness. A simple but often overlooked deterrent is movement. Every few weeks, air out your garments, shake them gently, and rotate hangers to disturb any potential larvae. Regularly wearing or handling clothes disrupts their life cycle and discourages them from settling.
Keeping your wardrobe clean and ventilated also helps. Leave wardrobe doors open occasionally to let air circulate and prevent mustiness from building up.
Step 5: Maintain Ongoing Protection
Once you’ve deep cleaned and set up traps, ongoing maintenance is key. Check your Clothes Moth Traps regularly and replace them with refills to ensure continuous coverage. If you use garment storage, inspect your bags or boxes every few months to ensure they remain clean and dry.
By maintaining these small but consistent steps, you’ll prevent future infestations and protect your wardrobe all year round.
Why Now is the Perfect Time to Protect Your Wardrobe
The weeks leading up to the Christmas holidays are an ideal time to take stock of your wardrobe. As you prepare your party outfits and festive attire, ensuring that everything is moth-free will save both stress and expense later on. Clothes Moths can cause irreversible damage if left unchecked, but with careful prevention, you can enjoy every event knowing your wardrobe is safe.
Your winter wardrobe should be a source of joy, not frustration. This party season, take a few minutes to clean, inspect, and protect your garments before the festivities begin. With ongoing prevention using traps, refills, and breathable storage, you’ll keep your clothes looking their best and ready for every celebration.
About MothPrevention
MothPrevention® speak to customers every day about their clothes moth issues - clothes moths are a species that are ever increasing and that can cause significant damage to clothes, carpets and other home textiles.
To date, we’ve helped over 250,000 customers deal with their moth problems. We have developed professional grade solutions including proprietary pheromones and trap design engineered to the highest production standards.
