Clothes moths are the single biggest cause of storage damage to wool, and prevention is far easier than treatment.
They eat residue, not fabric
Larvae are drawn to sweat, skin oils and food traces. This is why storing clean is more effective than any repellent.
Only the larvae do damage
Adult moths do not eat. Seeing adults means eggs have already been laid, so finding them is a warning rather than the problem itself.
Freezing works for infested items
72 hours at -18°C kills all life stages. Bag the item first, freeze, then wash.
Prevention and treatment
Prevention and treatment
- Store everything clean, without exception
- Use breathable containers, not open shelves, for wool
- Cedar blocks, sanded once a year to restore the oils
- Vacuum wardrobe corners and skirting at each swap
- Check knitwear at folds and underarms twice a year
- If infested: bag and freeze for 72 hours, then wash
- Wash everything nearby, not just the damaged item