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How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths

Looking for a way to get rid of clothes moths this spring? It is a common concern that pops up this time of year when people are sifting through their belongings for spring cleaning. Clothes moths are not a fun surprise to come across in your organizing, but there are steps you can take to rectify the situation and prevent damage in the future. Keep an eye out for holes in clothing and fabrics that have been stored in a dark space. Follow A-1 Self Storage’s tips below on how to get rid of clothes moths and prevent them from finding their way into your storage unit.

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? Throw away materials that have been ruined beyond repair. Small damage may be remedied with a wash using warm water or dry cleaning if the material is salvageable. Before attempting to wash your clothes, examine the tags first. You’ll also need to clean any storage locations, such as closets, attics, basements, or storage units. Vacuum the area and dispose of the vacuum bag right away. If you’re cleaning a carpeted area, it might be worth your time to steam clean it for extra safety’s sake.

Learn to Prevent Future Clothes Moths

Now that you have gotten rid of the immediate issue, it is time to set up some precautions for the future. Pack your remaining clothing into sealed bins or bags. If you choose to use garment bags, tape up any potential hole spaces, like seams, for additional security and peace of mind. 

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 your storage unit to allow for ventilation.  

A-1 Self Storage in Beacon Falls CT

Looking for storage units in Beacon Falls, CT this year? Look no further. Introducing A-1 Self Storage, a brand new storage facility serving the central Connecticut area. Choose from a variety of storage amenities, including indoor storage units, temperature-controlled storage units, amazon lockers and more! Additionally, for your convenience, this storage facility offers month-to-month rental agreements. This is the ideal arrangement for college students looking for flexible storage options for their winter or summer break. Call or email the storage facility today, or stop by in person to chat with the team of storage experts at A-1 Self Storage in Beacon Falls, CT!


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Katie Mest

About the Author: Katie Mest is a Content Marketing Specialist at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. She specializes in writing about the self storage industry, including storage tips and helpful resources. Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors and snuggling in with a crochet project and her cat, Billie.