Have you ever reached for a cozy winter coat or a favorite sweater only to find it riddled with tiny holes? Or maybe you spotted a moth fluttering out of your closet, making you wonder if more are lurking inside. If so, you're not alone— moths in closets are a common but frustrating problem.
These pesky insects love to feast on natural fibers like wool, cashmere, and fur, often ruining expensive or sentimental clothing. But the good news? You don't need harsh chemicals or costly exterminators for getting rid of clothes moths. With the right approach, you can eliminate moths and keep them from returning.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know—how to identify closet moths, how to get rid of moths in your house, and natural prevention methods to keep your wardrobe safe. Follow these simple steps, and you'll never have to worry about closet moths again!
Why Moths Invade Closets
Moths can find their way into your home in a variety of ways—slipping through open doors, windows, or even tiny cracks. But don't be too hard on yourself; these pests are relentless and often enter undetected as eggs attached to clothing, furniture, or even food packaging. Once they hatch, the damage begins as their larvae start feasting on your belongings.
Closet moths are particularly drawn to natural fibers like wool, leather, and feathers because they contain keratin, a protein larvae need to grow. Female moths lay their eggs in areas with an abundant food source, ensuring their young have plenty to eat. As the larvae mature, they chew through fabrics before transforming into adult moths, continuing the cycle. Knowing what attracts moths in the closet is key to keeping them out for good!
Identifying a Moth Infestation
Before tackling a moth problem, it's essential to identify the type of moth you're dealing with. Knowing this will help you choose the best storage and prevention methods to stop them from coming back.
Luckily, identifying them is simple—just check what they're infesting. If moths are swarming around stored food, you likely have Pantry Moths. But Clothes Moths are likely the culprit if you're finding tiny holes in clothing, tiny bugs on clothes in closets, live or dead larvae in drawers, or damage to fabric-based items. Understanding which type of moth is invading your space is the first step to getting rid of them for good !
What Clothes Moths look like
Common Clothes Moths, also known as case-making or webbing moths, are small, weak flyers with light brown or golden wings. Their wings fold flat over their bodies, resembling a paper airplane. These moths have four wings, including slightly tattered-looking hind wings and a fringe of tiny hairs. They typically measure between 12 and 17 mm in size.
What Pantry Moths look like
Pantry moths are small insects, about half an inch long, with narrow gray or beige wings. However, the most obvious sign of an infestation isn't the moths themselves—it's their tiny, brown or yellow larvae. These little worms can often be spotted crawling in dry foods like flour, rice, or cornmeal, making them the biggest clue that pantry moths have invaded your kitchen.
How to get rid of moths in the closet
Identify the Source of the Infestation
To get rid of these tiny bugs on clothes in the closet, start by finding the source. If you spot holes in clothes or dead moths in pockets, clothes moths may be lurking in closets, drawers, or shelves. Check every corner, as their eggs can be anywhere.
If you find larvae on an item, seal it in a plastic bag right away to stop the spread. A severe infestation likely means more eggs nearby, so inspect thoroughly.
For pantry moths, look through grains, flour, and packaged foods. Toss anything infested far from home to break the cycle. Stay proactive, and keep moths out for good!
Remove All Items and Seal Infested Clothing
Clear out your closet completely, sealing all items in plastic bags to trap any hidden moth larvae. Even if you don't see them, assume they're there. Clean each item thoroughly and wipe down every surface before putting anything back. A deep clean is key to stopping the infestation!
Clean and Deep-Clean the Closet
Empty your closet and deep clean every surface—shelves, walls, floors, and even light fixtures. Wipe everything down with hot, soapy water, focusing on sticky or grainy spots that could contain moth eggs. Vacuum thoroughly and dispose of the bag far from your home to keep moths for moth prevention.
Use Moth Traps to Break the Breeding Cycle
Place clothes moth traps or non-toxic pantry moth traps in areas where you've seen or suspected moth activity. These traps use pheromones to attract and capture male moths, helping to break the breeding cycle and monitor the infestation size.
Use moth-killing sprays while cleaning to eliminate eggs and larvae for extra protection. If treating a pantry or kitchen, opt for a non-toxic spray safe for food areas.
Treat Infested Items (Freezing, Washing, or Disposing)
Wondering how to eliminate clothes moths? Freezing is a simple and effective way to eliminate moths in your closet. Since moths and their larvae can't survive extreme temperatures, sealing infested clothes in a plastic bag and freezing them for at least 72 hours will kill any hidden pests. If you have a large freezer, toss everything in at once. If not, freeze items in smaller batches.
Another option is washing clothes in hot water or taking them to the dry cleaner. The key is to remove items from the closet and treat them properly to eliminate moth eggs and larvae.
Since moth eggs are tiny and often hidden in seams or fabric folds, inspect everything carefully. If an item is too damaged, it's best to throw it away to prevent further infestation. Act quickly, and don't leave untreated items lying around!
How to repel moths: Increase Light and Airflow to Deter Moths
A bright, well-organized closet is your first line of defense against moths. These pests thrive in dark, undisturbed spaces, so simply opening your closet regularly and shifting clothes around can help keep them away.
For effortless organization, try Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST). This simple tool keeps hangers evenly spaced, preventing overcrowding and allowing air to circulate—keeping your wardrobe fresh, tidy, and easy to navigate. Just apply it to your closet rod, and enjoy a clutter-free space!
Want extra protection? Natural moth repellents like cedar blocks, lavender sachets, and peppermint oil add a layer of defense while keeping your closet smelling great. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping moths out!
Preventing Moths from Coming Back: Clothes Moths Pest Control
Store wool, fur, and feather-based items in airtight plastic bins or compression bags to protect your clothes from moths. For hanging garments, use sealed garment bags without holes—avoid fabric containers, as moths can chew through them. Keeping your closet well-ventilated and frequently moving your clothes can also help, as moths dislike light and disruption.
While cedar and herbal scents may repel moths, they aren't a foolproof solution unless stored in airtight cedar chests. Mothballs can be effective but should be a last resort due to their strong chemicals, which can be harmful to people, pets, and even plastic storage bins. If you must use them, follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully.
For added protection, pheromone traps can help reduce moth populations by attracting and capturing adult males, preventing further reproduction. Though not a complete solution, they can be a helpful early warning sign of an infestation.
Finally, always keep your clothes clean, especially wool items, and wash any vintage or secondhand clothes before storing them. A little prevention goes a long way in keeping moths in closet away!
Natural vs. Chemical Moth Repellents: Why Go Natural?
Mothballs may have been a go-to solution in the past, but they come with major downsides. Naphthalene mothballs are banned in many countries due to their toxic, carcinogenic properties, and their strong, unpleasant odor makes them less than ideal for home use.
So, how do you get rid of clothes moths? A safer and more effective alternative is pheromone moth traps. These odorless traps attract and catch male moths, helping to break the breeding cycle without harmful chemicals.
Try cedar balls for a natural way to keep moths out of your closet. Not only do they have a pleasant scent, but moths dislike them, making them a great option for drawers, clothing bins, and wardrobes. Just be sure to keep cedar products away from pheromone traps to avoid interference between the two methods.
Conclusion
Dealing with closet moths doesn't have to be a nightmare. By identifying the problem early, using effective removal techniques, and choosing natural repellents like pheromone traps and cedar balls, you can keep your wardrobe safe without resorting to harsh chemicals. A little prevention goes a long way when you know how to keep moths away —stay proactive, and you'll enjoy moth-free closets for years to come!
More From Roomedys:
Author: Stephen Patrick
Stephen is the Founder and CEO of the Roomedys® brand. Stephen’s inaugural, multi-patented invention, Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST), is poised to transform the world of closet organization. Having spent 25 years in the hospitality industry, Stephen is an expert in functional organization. His mantra, “Everything has a place; everything stays in place,” is the key to achieving a realistic & maintainable routine that provides a feeling of balance and well-being.