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How to Get Rid of Moth Larvae and Worms on Clothes

The clothes moth, frequently referred to as the wool moth, can digest keratin. This protein is found in skin, hair and wool, all of which are common food items for moth larvae. Adult clothing moths don't eat, but they do lay large quantities of eggs. The larvae must have a food source after the hatch, so tufts of dog hair, pockets in sweaters and other keratin-rich sites are common egg-laying locations. Though these moths can cause substantial damage, they are easy to get rid of with a little planning and persistence.

Things You'll Need

Vacuum
Vacuum sealer
Moth larvicide

Instructions

- 1
  Keep pets out of areas infested with moths. Bird feathers, pet dander and fur are all sources of moth nutrition and encourage more breeding.
- 2
  Vacuum the site of the infestation thoroughly. After vacuuming, dump the contents of the vacuum in the garbage outside. Otherwise, moth larvae may hatch in the vacuum and find a new place in the house to infest.
- 3
  Take all clothing stored in the infestation site to a professional dry cleaner. Moth eggs are tiny and easy to miss, but a professional cleaning will ensure that any remaining larvae or eggs are completely removed.
- 4
  Store your clothing in a vacuum sealer. These simple containers keep air and moisture out, and make it impossible for moths and other pests to infest clothing. Most home supply stores and some discount retailers sell vacuum sealers.
- 5
  Sprinkle the affected area with a moth larvicide. This solution is safer than mothballs and will kill off any remaining worms. Larvicides are toxic, so keep children and pets out of the area and vacuum the larvicide up thoroughly after the moths have gone away. If anyone in your home has allergies, asthma or is immunocompromised, avoid using larvicides.

Insects & Science