How to control clothes moths

Identifying clothes moths

The adult moths and their larvae do not pose a health risk. The adult moths themselves cause no harm, but unfortunately they lay eggs which develop into larvae which can cause a lot of damage if not kept under control in the home. Clothes moths are a quite distinctive golden yellow/buff colour with a silky sheen. They are small (just under half an inch (1cm) long), the female lays eggs which are ivory coloured, about the size of a pin-head and almost impossible to spot. The larvae which emerge are a creamy colour with a brown head and grow to about 1 cm in length.

Unlike most moths, Clothes Moths prefer to stay in darkness, for example inside wardrobes or chests of drawers, and they can hide in very narrow cracks in furniture or floorboards. The larvae feed on natural fibres such as woollen clothes, which is where most of us first notice a problem, but they can also attack carpets, rugs, piano felt, feathers and fur. 

From the 1950s to 1970s many textiles for clothes, curtains and carpets were treated with insecticides to prevent damage from moth larvae.  This was gradually phased out as pesticide regulations were introduced. This, combined with a general move towards the use of more natural fibres in clothes and home furnishings, has resulted in something of a population boom of moths.

Areas at highest risk of damage are those which are often left undisturbed, for example under furniture, beds and infrequently used cupboards and wardrobes. It can be helpful to keep these places clean with frequent vacuuming to remove the eggs before they hatch. The larvae are attracted to most natural fabrics, particularly those stained with sweat or food residues. This is why it is important to only store clean clothes, and why moth damage can often occur where people regularly sit. Check underneath settees and chairs which are not moved very frequently.

The best defence

The key to dealing with an infestation is to locate those areas most at risk. This is best achieved by frequent monitoring of likely areas of infestation (wardrobes, drawers or areas under furniture/beds which are not vacuumed frequently.

Nippon Clothes Moth Traps have been designed specifically for use in areas where clothes moths may be a nuisance. They have sticky non-drying glue on the upper surface which contains a pheromone to attract male clothes moths. When the males land on the traps they are unable to fly off and mate with the females; thus breaking the breeding cycle.

The trap can be hung up, stuck to a suitable surface, or simply left free-standing. As clothes moths are poor flyers, the traps should preferably be left at a low level close to the area of the suspected infestation.

Traps remain active for about 3 months and can be used at any time of year. When the trap becomes covered with dead insects it can be disposed of with domestic waste.  These traps contain no insecticide and provide a physical solution to clothes moth damage in the home. They will not, however, destroy any existing larvae, but will help limit or prevent further infestations by reducing the breeding cycle of moths.

Where significant infestations are discovered it is essential to thoroughly clean/treat the affected areas to prevent re-infestation.

Clothes should be removed from the affected areas and laundered to kill any remaining eggs and larvae.  Nippon Clothes Moth Spray is a low odour, water based spray approved for use in empty wardrobes, drawers or cupboards.  This should be lightly sprayed onto cracks and crevices in furniture to eradicate any hidden larvae and prevent re-infestation.

Nippon Clothes Moth Spray can also be used as a light spray on carpets, soft furnishings and areas where pets or animals frequent.  Particular attention should be paid to areas around the edges of the rooms and under furniture where larvae can feed undisturbed. 

 In addition to clothes moths, this product will also control fleas and other household pests in and around the home.

Nippon Clothes Moth Spray contains Cypermethrin.

Use biocides safely.  Always read the label and product information before use.