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Safe Moth Removal

Though the clothing moth is relatively small, it can be the cause of serious damage to expensive and treasured items of clothing, carpets and upholstery. The adults are not the ones to worry about; rather, it is the babies that munch their way through precious fabrics as they grow to maturity. Getting rid of moths is relatively easy. Making sure they don't come back requires a little more effort.

Things You'll Need

Mothballs

Instructions

- 1
  Check clothes and soft furnishings for signs of the moths, such as larvae cases. These are identifiable as silver threads that are about an inch long. The webbing clothes moth itself is less than an inch long and has a silvery brown color.
- 2
  Clean your clothes before putting them away. Food stains, sweat and oil secretions from the skin will attract moths. At the end of a season, put any clothes that won't be used for months into plastic storage bags.
- 3
  Shake clothes out once a month to displace any moths. The insects are repelled by sunlight, so consider hanging clothes outside occasionally. Wash clothes at temperatures above 120 degrees to kill any moths at all stages of development. Alternatively, kill moths by bagging clothes up and placing them in the freezer for a day.
- 4
  Place mothballs in draws and closets. These release chemical vapors that slowly kill moths. Mothballs are only truly effective in airtight containers. Similarly, chests made from cedar are only effective if they are airtight and relatively new.
- 5
  Vacuum and clean rooms regularly, especially under beds, in closets and behind heaters and other furniture. This will help remove eggs, larvae and existing moths, thus helping prevent an infestation.

Insects & Science