How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths

How can you get rid of clothes moths? When people go through their items for spring cleaning, this is a frequent question. Clothes moths are not an enjoyable surprise to come across in your storage organizing. Keep an eye out for any holes in your clothing or fabrics that have been stored in a dark environment. Follow West Creek Self Storage’s methods for removing clothes moths and preventing them from entering into your storage unit.

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How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths

How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths (in Home Storage & Storage Units)

Identify the Problem

Do you actually have clothes moths? If you notice a moth in your home, do not worry right away. Many moths that might find their way into your home are after plants, not your clothing. Only two moth species are a threat to your clothes: the casemaking clothes moth and the webbing clothes moth—both a yellow or gray color, about 1 cm long. 

Next, look for holes. You will be able to identify a clothes moth by the web left behind on the material. The moths’ babies are actually the root of the problem, not the adult moths. They prefer dark, humid spaces and prefer to eat materials like wool, cashmere, and fur that come from animals. 

Clean Your Clothes and Space

OK, so you’ve identified the clothes moths. Now what? When it comes to materials that have been damaged beyond repair, you should dispose of them. Small damages may be restored with a wash in warm water or dry cleaning if the items are still wearable. Always examine your clothing’s tags before washing them. It’s also critical to clean your storage area, whether it’s a closet, attic, basement, or storage unit. Vacuum the region and discard the vacuum bag immediately. If you’re working in a carpeted location, consider steam cleaning it for additional safety measures.

Learn to Prevent Future Clothes Moths

Now that you’ve dealt with the immediate problem, it’s time to put up some preventative measures for the future. Put your remaining clothing into sealed containers or bags. Tape any possible hole sites, such as seams, for further protection and peace of mind if you opt to use garment bags. Another option is to move your storage space around frequently—reorganizing, swapping items in and out, etc. These moths dislike movement and light, so do your best to keep your storage unit from becoming a dark, moist environment. Visiting your storage unit often will give you the opportunity to open up the storage unit to allow for ventilation.

Protect Your Belongings with West Creek Self Storage in West Creek, NJ

Now that you have a better understanding of how to get rid of clothes moths, let us help you find secure storage space for your clothing nearby. West Creek Self Storage is your first choice for affordable storage units in West Creek, NJ. Choose from a variety of storage amenities, including convenient drive-up storage units, parking spaces for personal vehicles, and more! Additionally, for your security, all storage units are housed within a fenced and gated perimeter, with 24-hour security cameras and secure keypad access. Feel secure storing your personal items with West Creek Self Storage this year. Call or email our facility today, or stop by in person to chat with the team of storage experts at West Creek Self Storage!

Already know what kind of self storage you would like to rent? You can handle your entire storage rental online. Visit our storage calculator to get a storage unit size recommendation, look through our self storage tips, and choose the ideal storage unit to take on your load.

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Tim Glasow

About the Author: Tim is the SEO Manager at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. He is a self-storage industry specialist who has written about everything from storage advice and helpful resources to industry trends. In his free time, Tim enjoys sampling craft beer and exploring the local music scene.