General description of clothes moths

Clothes moths are small pests that specialize in textiles of animal origin, such as wool, silk, feathers and furs. Measuring about 1 cm, they have golden or silvery beige wings, often edged with fine hairs, and a narrow body covered in golden hairs. Adult moths, although harmless in themselves because they do not feed, represent the last stage of reproduction. Their presence usually means that the larvae – which cause the most damage – are already active on the fabrics.

Clothes moth larvae feed primarily on keratin, a protein found in animal fibers. They prefer dark, uncrowded places, such as closed closets, the folds of clothing, or carpets under furniture. This choice of habitat allows them to escape light, which they instinctively avoid, and to act discreetly. By weaving small silk tunnels in the fibers or leaving visible threads and excrement, they often signal their passage by holes and frays in the fabrics, sometimes making them irreparable.

The clothes moth life cycle begins with the laying of eggs directly on fabrics. The eggs hatch within a few days, and the larvae immediately begin feeding on fabrics, with their larval development stage lasting several months depending on temperature and humidity. They eventually spin a cocoon, where they transform into adults to complete the cycle, which can repeat several times a year, especially in conditions of high heat and humidity.

How to get rid of clothes moths!

Clothes moths can be particularly destructive, leaving holes in your wool, silk or cashmere garments. It’s essential to act quickly to prevent moth larvae from causing further damage. Here’s what you need to know to eliminate these pests and protect your textiles.

1. Identify the signs of an infestation

Moth larvae, not adults, are responsible for the damage to your clothes. They feed on natural fibers like wool or silk, searching for keratin , a protein found in these materials. If you see small holes in your clothes or spot cocoons in your closet, you likely have an infestation.

2. Deep cleaning

To treat an infestation, start by thoroughly cleaning all your clothing, especially those made of natural fibers. Wash them at a high temperature (60°C) or, for delicate textiles, place them in the freezer for at least 72 hours to kill the eggs and larvae. Then vacuum your wardrobes and drawers to eliminate any eggs and larvae that may remain. Available products such as ONGUARD P-22 Residual Spray can be used to treat wardrobes and drawers after cleaning.

3. Use of pheromone traps

Pheromone traps are a great way to capture male moths and reduce their breeding cycle. Place them in your closets to monitor the infestation and limit the spread. We offer specialized traps on our site that will help you control these insects.

5. Long-term prevention

To prevent reinfestation, store your off-season clothes in airtight containers. Also, clean your closets regularly and be sure to wash all your clothes before storing them, as moths are attracted to dirt and skin cells.

And there you have it! Feel free to write to us if you have any further questions about clothes moths!

The dangers and damage caused by clothes moths

Clothes moths, although discreet, can cause significant damage to wardrobes and textiles. Their presence is not immediately visible because it is the larvae, not the adults, that degrade fabrics. Here is an overview of the dangers associated with these pests.

Material damage

Clothes moth larvae feed on natural fibers, primarily in wool, silk, cashmere, fur, and leather clothing. They bore irregular holes into clothing, weakening the fibers and leaving visible marks, often in inconspicuous places like folds and seams. In addition to holes, they leave residue, including droppings and silky sheaths, that can stain fabrics and make them more difficult to restore.

Clothes moths are attracted to fabrics that have been left uncleaned for a long time, as they are more likely to consume fibers that are impregnated with sweat, body oils, or food residue. As a result, valuable and rarely used textiles are particularly vulnerable to damage from these pests.

Dangers

Although clothes moths do not pose a direct danger to human health, they can be responsible for some inconveniences. For example, they can cause allergic reactions in some people who are sensitive to their particles or to the dust they produce by damaging textiles. The droppings and debris left by the larvae in fabrics can also aggravate respiratory allergies in people who already suffer from sensitivities or asthma. Thus, although the risks of illness are minimal with clothes moths, their presence can cause an unsanitary environment in cases of heavy infestation, especially if their debris accumulates in closets and fabrics that are not cleaned regularly.

In short, clothes moths, while not dangerous to human health, cause significant material losses if left unchecked. In the event of a major infestation, specialized treatments, including freezing to eliminate the larvae and non-toxic products such as diatomaceous earth, may be necessary to protect your valuable textiles and preserve their integrity.

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