Why Do Moths Eat Clothes?

One day, you’re storing away your favourite sweater, and a few months later, you find it full of holes. When storing clothes or other items with natural fabric away for whatever reason, there’s a chance you’ll end up seeing them damaged without any clear explanation. So, why does that happen?

Moths, specifically their larvae, are the culprits behind such issues. But why do moths eat clothes?

The short answer is nutrition. However, as moth exterminators we want to give you the long answer and help you understand more about clothes moths, how to spot them, and how to keep them away. Let’s talk in more detail!

Though that might sound too obvious, few people know that moths aren’t all the same. Most people know that moths are attracted to light and enjoy crowd-free areas.

However, these aren’t the ones that eat your clothes. There are two classes of moths, called the webbing clothes moths (Tineola bisselliella) and the case-bearing clothes moths (Tinea pellionella), known for all this damage.

The grown versions of these moths don’t eat your clothes. They live for about a month, look for a mate, produce eggs, and die shortly after.

What affects your clothes is the larvae that the moth leaves on the clothes. They can also affect your carpets, rugs, and any home textile. Still, why do they do that?

The main reason why moth larvae love natural textile is their dietary needs. When they pop out of their eggs, moth nymphs require nourishment to grow and develop into mature moths. Where do they get this nourishment, you might ask?

They find it in keratin in animal-based fabrics like wool, silk, cashmere, and other organic materials.

That’s why you’ll generally find clothes made with these materials targeted more than others. The webbing clothes moths and case-bearing moths are also attracted to dark, quiet areas as opposed to light-filled ones. As a result, a few boxes stored away in the attic or a rarely used closet make for the perfect home for them.

There are times when the damage done to your clothes is the fault of the washer or dryer instead of the moths. So, to identify the damage correctly, follow the tips below:

Look for Visual Clues

Moth damage can appear as small, irregular holes around your clothes. Generally, they don’t prefer one spot over the other in your clothes; however, you can often find them by the collar or the folds.

These spots are usually darker, quieter, and far away from any drafts, making them the perfect nesting area for moths and feeding larvae.

Search for Larvae

This step can be challenging, as larvae aren’t like fully grown moths. To illustrate, they range from 1mm to 12 mm (0.0393–0.472 inches), and you won’t find them flying around!

Instead, you’ll find a creamy-white caterpillar-like creature with a brown head. Those tiny creatures prefer dark, undisturbed areas. You must check your clothes’ folds, seams, and pockets.

Moreover, if possible, you should look at the underside and inner lining of garments. It can be a crucial step if you plan to store the clothes for months. If you have any stored blankets, scarves, or other items made with natural fibre, then it’s best to take a look.

Look for Casings or Webbing

Sometimes, you won’t be able to spot the moths or their larvae. However, you can always look for the casings they leave behind!

Moth larvae usually produce silken webbing as they move around and feed on the fabric. You can easily find this webbing when you examine the damaged areas thoroughly.

Look for thin, thread-like trails on the surface of the affected material.

Monitor Your Carpets and Rugs

Finally, your carpets can help determine if you have clothes-eating moth larvae at home. Larvae often eat away at your rug, leaving it with uneven, bare patches.

These patches vary in size and shape but typically appear in rooms and spots with less traffic. For instance, if you have a carpet partially under furniture in a corner, it’s more likely to exhibit damage signs.

Also, foot traffic often leads to even, gradual wear over time. On the other hand, moth larvae lead to clustered, irregular, bare spots that aren’t similar to anything else.

Whether you have discovered an infestation or trying to avoid one, here’s what you need to do:

Keep Everything Clean

Because moths love hiding in dark spots, it can be hard to spot them when they start clustering around. That’s why you must clean the areas you don’t regularly visit.

For instance, the back of the closet, the attic, or under heavy furniture are all vital spots. You must hoover and wipe such areas with detergent to eliminate future issues. Also, wash your clothes thoroughly before storing them to remove any existing larvae.

Store Your Clothes Properly

Simply washing your clothes and storing them in cardboard boxes isn’t enough. Instead, you can use airtight containers or garment bags, especially those that can be air-sealed.

These precautions can help create a barrier that deters moths and protects your clothes.

Watch Out for Humidity

If there’s one thing we know about moths is that they love moist, humid conditions. They usually leave their larvae to grow in areas with 80%–90% humidity.

So, it’s best to provide good ventilation and use a dehumidifier to balance the humidity levels.

Using Moth Repellents

Additionally, moth repellents, such as cedar sachets or lavender sachets, can help keep these pests at bay. Proper food storage is also essential, as moths are attracted to pantry items. By practising good hygiene and implementing preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of moth infestations and protect your belongings from damage.

Quick Recap

So, are you still wondering: Why do moths eat clothes? It’s just to eat! Moreover, it’s not the moth eating your clothes, but their larvae.

Larvae need keratin to grow in natural fibres such as wool and silk. You can prevent them from ruining your clothes by always keeping your clothes clean, using deterrents, and storing your items properly.