Clothes moths feed on organic materials, such as wool.
Moths in the closet usually feed on organic materials such as wool, fur, silk and leather. Sometimes they also eat inorganic fabrics with food stains or body oils. Adult clothes moths don't damage textile items, as only the larvae eat animal-based materials. Larvae like to feed in quiet, dark areas such as closets -- usually preferring items that you store for long periods -- over items that you regularly use. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Empty your closet. Carefully remove all of the items inside.
2. Vacuum the closet thoroughly to remove dust, webs, moth eggs and larvae. If you have pets, remove any animal hair in the closet, because moth larvae like feeding on it. Discard the vacuum bag promptly because it may contain eggs, larvae or adult moths.
3. Spray cracks and crevices in the closet with an insecticide commonly used to control ants, cockroaches and fleas. These insecticides usually contain pyrethrum, allethrin, chlorpyrifos or permethrin, as the active ingredient.
4. Place the items from your closet in airtight containers with moth balls (naphthalene) or PDB (paradichlorobenzene) above the items. Separate the clothes from the moth balls with a layer of paper, to prevent the chemical from damaging them. These products release vapors that build-up and kill insects. Don't use moth balls or PDB with plastic items such as hangers, buttons, belts or trim because the chemicals can permanently damage plastic
5. Leave these items in storage for two to three weeks to kill all of the moth eggs, larvae, pupae and adults. Air them for a few days until the smell disappears.
6. Launder items from your closet in hot water or dry-clean them, to kill all remaining moths and remove substances that attract insects, including food stains and body oils.
7. Freeze any items you can't launder or dryclean. Place these items in polyethylene bags, remove excess air and seal the bags. Keep the bags in the freezer for 48 to 72 hours. Place the bags in the refrigerator to thaw. Only remove the items from the bags after they reach room temperature.
8. Spray a pyrethrins insecticide on untreated items that you want to place back in the closet. Pyrethrins quickly kills clothes moths and doesn't leave a toxic residue.
9. Brush items from your closet with a soft bristle brush, focusing on areas along the seams and in the folds and pockets. This process destroys eggs and exposes larvae. Hang these items in the sun to force any remaining larvae to leave.
10. Place your clothing and bedding back into the closet.
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