Putting away winter clothes without feeding the moths
The main mistake is made at packing time and discovered six months later.
Clothes moths damage wool, cashmere, fur, felt, and other natural fibres. More precisely, the damage is done not by the moth flying around the room — it does not even have functioning mouthparts — but by its larvae. A flying moth means only one thing: eggs have already been laid somewhere nearby.
The main mistake is made when clothes are put away for storage. Moths are drawn not to the fibres themselves but to traces of sweat, skin oils, and food and drink residue on the fabric. A clean wool garment is far less attractive to them than one that has been worn. The rule is therefore simple and almost always ignored: only washed or dry-cleaned items should be put into storage.
Next, in descending order of importance:
- sealed garment bags or vacuum bags instead of open shelves;
- dry conditions — larvae develop better in a damp wardrobe;
- inspection every couple of months, especially in far corners and on top shelves;
- airing and shaking out the clothes during inspection.
Lavender- or cedar-based repellents are useful as a supplement in an already clean wardrobe, but not as a substitute for washing or as a way to control larvae already present. If damage has already been found, inspect every item, clean the wardrobe, and use traps to monitor numbers — the catch will show whether the problem has been resolved or the infestation remains.
