How To Get Rid Of Clothing Moths In Your Havertown & Philadelphia Region Home

We may often think of living with moths as a thing of the past. We can recall playing hide n’ seek in our grandparents’ closets and the faint smell of mothballs. However, moths still very much exist and can still wreak havoc on our clothes and other household fabrics.

So what do you do when moths start invading your Havertown or Philadelphia region home? In this article, we explore what clothing moths are, how to prevent them from entering your home, and which Havertown & Philadelphia region pest control company to call when you want them gone.

What Are Clothing Moths?

Clothing moths are a bit different from the adorable moths you see outside or searching for light. There are actually two types of clothing moths – the casemaking clothes moth and the webbing clothes moth. Both these moths are smaller than an inch and very difficult to find until you realize you have several holes in your favorite sweater.

These moths are pretty similar in appearance, though the casemaking clothes moth has dark spots on its wings. The common misconception about clothing moths is that the adults eat away at your clothes when in actuality, they don’t have mouth parts and can’t do so. It’s their offspring who are the culprits.

After adult clothing moths lay their eggs and they hatch days later, the moth larvae begin to feed right away.

The Damage Clothing Moths Can Do To Fabric

The reason clothing moths turn to your clothes for food and not actual food as other insects do, is because they need keratin to develop. A lot of our clothing, especially vintage clothing, contains keratin. Keratin is in animal byproducts, such as wool, leather, or silk, cotton fabrics with wool in them, and items containing animal or pet hair, such as fur shawls, curtains, and sometimes upholstered furniture.

You’ll find clothing moth damage in hidden spots on your clothes, such as under collars or in the armpit area. The damage is often unnoticed until a hole appears

Easy Tips To Prevent Clothing Moths In Your Home

While dealing with moths is not an easy task to take on alone, there are some easy ways you can help prevent them from taking over your house. Some tips include:

• Inspect any clothes susceptible to moths, such as those made with animal byproducts. Check up on any stored clothes as well, such as winter sweaters you put away for the season. Look for signs of an infestation, such as moth holes in clothing, larvae, or moth nests.
• Clean your home regularly. Vacuum couches, pet bedding, curtains, rugs, and any other place where fur, lint, or hair can accumulate.
• Before you store your seasonal clothes away, make sure to thoroughly clean them and consider placing them in airtight plastic bags.
• When purchasing wool products, check to see if the maker has moth-proofed the material.

Opening your drawers to discover moths have taken over your favorite sweater can be devastating. However, you may be able to avoid this nightmare altogether by following these easy tips.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of A Clothing Moth Infestation

If you suspect you have a moth infestation, there are a number of things you can do. There are certainly products you can find in stores to help keep moths at bay, but there’s no telling if they’ll be back. As mentioned earlier, clothing moths lay their eggs, which hatch about 4-10 days later, and then the feasting begins. So, if you don’t find every last moth egg (and there are often hundreds of them), your problem could continue to persist. In the end, the best way to get rid of a clothing moth infestation is to hire a professional.

If you live in Havertown or the Philadelphia Region, look no further than Cunningham Pest Control, LLC. We have the experience and tools to get rid of moths fast and bring you peace of mind. If you’re struggling with a clothes moth infestation, call us today.