Clothes Moths
Helpful Facts about Clothes Moths
The cause of considerable damage in closets and homes across the United States is the small larvae of the clothes moths. Creating holes and threadbare spots on clothing, carpeting and upholstery, these creatures can be a serious threat if found in your home.
Before the 1950’s, the clothes moth was a common problem in households, plaguing the natural fabrics predominate at that time. Then, between 1950 and 1980, wool was treated with insecticides that prevented any type of bug infestation that would damage the fabric and all but eliminated the issue of the destructive moths. This practice was discontinued, however, and now more and more incidents of the clothes moth are being seen. Any type of organic material that contains the protein keratin is a target of the moth; including but not limited to wool, animal hides, natural bristles and fur. Even pet fur which may accumulate on an individual’s clothing would be a prime meal for the clothes moth.
The clothes moth itself is virtually harmless. It is the larvae of the moth that is the destructive force of the species. Eggs are laid near items that will become the source of food for the emerging larvae, and sometimes directly on the items. After hatching, the larvae will naturally gravitate to those items and begin to feed on the fabric; often concentrating on food or drink stains or areas of the fabric on which sweat, body oils or urine may be present. As the larvae’s appetite is satiated, usually taking about two months, it will enter the pupae stage. The developing larvae morph will remain in the cocoon for up to two months, at the end of which time it will emerge as an adult moth. The adult clothes moth does not eat, but rather serves the purpose only to find a mate and propagate the species through laying eggs.
There are several methods of eliminating these destructive pests from your home. They can include clothes moth traps, basic cleaning steps such as vacuuming and dry cleaning the fabrics. Excessive heat and freezing conditions are also an effective means of killing the moths, as is the use of dry ice packed around a particular object. Mothballs that contain camphor are a safe and effective deterrent, and there are also several types of sprays that will do the trick.
Once the clothes moth has been detected in your home, fast action should be taken to eliminate them before vast amounts of damage are caused. Preventative measures including sanitary and clean surroundings and clothing are the best ways to deal with the destructive clothes moth.