How to Stop Clothes Moth Larvae in Your Home: 8 Steps for Success
How the Damage Begins
Unlike many household pests, adult Clothes Moths don’t feed at all. Their primary role is reproduction - finding a quiet, undisturbed space rich in natural fibres where they can safely lay their eggs. The most common culprit, the Webbing Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella), is particularly drawn to wardrobes, drawers, and storage boxes that contain wool, silk, feathers, and other animal-derived materials.
Once a female moth finds a suitable spot, she can lay anywhere from 40 to 100 eggs at a time. These eggs hatch into larvae that feed on keratin, a protein naturally found in animal-based fibres. It’s these larvae, not the moths themselves, that are responsible for the damage.
The larval stage is where the threat lingers. Depending on conditions, larvae can feed for several weeks to over two years. Heat and humidity speed up development, which is why infestations often worsen during the warmer months.
Step 1: Identify the Signs of a Larval Infestation
Before you can take action, it’s important to recognise the telltale clues that Clothes Moth Larvae have moved in. While they often go unnoticed at first, there are key signs that point to an active infestation:
- Unexplained holes in garments made from wool, silk, or other animal fibres
- Delicate strands of silk-like webbing or small tube-like cases clinging to fabric
- A fine, dusty residue - these are droppings left behind by feeding larvae (known as frass)
- Tiny, off-white larvae - often found tucked into hidden spots like seams, collars, or beneath furniture
Spotting these early increases your chances of stopping further damage before it spreads, and if you see adult moths flying around, larvae are likely already present.
Step 2: Clear Out and Examine Every Item Thoroughly
Begin by completely emptying the space where activity was detected. Remove all garments, fabric storage, and accessories. Examine each piece closely under good lighting, checking for damage or any signs of infestation. Focus on areas where larvae are most likely to hide — inside seams, under collars, in folds, and around stitching. Even items that appear untouched should be inspected, as early-stage infestations are not always visible at first glance.
Step 3: Clean and Treat Infested Clothing
Once you’ve identified affected garments, treat them thoroughly to eliminate larvae and eggs. Delicate or high-value pieces should be dry cleaned, which effectively kills all life stages of Clothes Moths without risking the fabric.
For items that can’t be washed or dry cleaned, seal them in plastic bags and freeze at -18°C (0°F) for at least 72 hours. This method is proven to kill both larvae and unhatched eggs.
Machine-washable items can be cleaned at 50°C or higher, provided the fabric allows. Heat treatment is highly effective, but always check care labels first to avoid shrinkage or damage.
Step 4: Deep Clean the Closet
With clothing handled, focus on the space itself. Vacuum thoroughly - including floorboards, skirting boards, wardrobe corners, drawer edges, and any hidden spots. Eggs and larvae often lodge in tiny cracks or dark areas. Dispose of the vacuum contents outdoors immediately after cleaning to prevent reintroducing the pests.
Next, wipe down all hard surfaces using a mild detergent solution. This removes dust, frass (larval droppings), and any lingering eggs. Even a small number of survivors can restart an infestation, so thoroughness is key.
Step 5: Use Pheromone Traps to Disrupt the Cycle
After cleaning, place Clothes Moth Traps in areas where you suspect, or can see, moths are present in order to monitor for ongoing activity and interrupt the breeding process. These traps use a powerful natural female pheromone to lure active adult male Clothes Moths, capturing them on a sticky surface. By reducing the number of males available to mate, you help prevent new eggs from being laid.
Position MothPrevention Moth Traps either using the hanger or on shelves, in closets and anywhere dark, quiet, and undisturbed where moths are likely to hide. For best results, use multiple traps in larger spaces, place 3-6 ft above carpet level, and replace them every 12 weeks or sooner if they become full.
Traps are an essential long-term tool. They don’t just detect infestations early - they help stop the next generation before it starts.
Step 6: Store Smart
Clean clothes are less attractive to moths. Moths are drawn to perspiration, body oils, and food stains, which make keratin-rich fibres easier to digest.
Use breathable cotton storage bags for your wool, silk, and cashmere garments. Avoid plastic storage, which traps moisture and can lead to mould. Ensure your storage area is dry, clean, and well-ventilated.
Step 7: Monitor and Maintain
Regular monitoring is essential. Check clothing and traps monthly, especially during peak moth seasons (spring and late summer) and use continuously during this period. Shake out garments occasionally to disturb potential larvae and allow light and air to circulate.
Natural repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets may help deter moths, though they won’t kill larvae. Use them as part of your prevention routine but do not place them near your moth traps as they will distract from the traps.
Step 8: Consider Environmental Factors
Larvae thrive in undisturbed, dark, and humid spaces. To discourage them:
- Keep wardrobes open occasionally to allow light in and do not store clothing tightly packaged as this can create ideal conditions for moths
- Run a dehumidifier in damp spaces
- Avoid long-term storage in basements or lofts unless items are fully sealed
- Only store clean, dry garments if possible
Final Thoughts
The key to stopping Clothes Moth Larvae is a combination of vigilance, proper cleaning, and smart storage. If you catch them early and act thoroughly, you can protect your garments and home. Severe infestations may require stronger treatments, in which case you may like to consider a Clothes Moth Killer Kit to eliminate Moths, Eggs and Larvae.
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.
