Finding clothes with tiny little holes, or silk-like webbing? Maybe you’ve got webbing clothes moths. They tend to hide when disturbed, so you might not notice them until they’ve damaged your fabric, fur, or feathered items. They’re especially drawn to fabrics with sweat, food, or urine stains.
It’s the larval form of the insect that does the damage. Look for white caterpillars with dark heads, up to 1/2 inch long. The moths usually fly around the immediate area where the infestation has occurred, fluttering about.
If you think you’ve got these clothes moths:
- Clean using a strong-suctioned vacuum in cracks and crevices to remove any debris.
- Wash down walls, shelves, and other surfaces with soapy water.
- Launder items in hot water for 20–30 minutes to kill eggs, larvae, and adult clothes moths.
- Dry clean items that cannot be laundered.
To prevent these pests from getting established:
- Check regularly for signs of moth activity.
- Inspect used clothes, rugs, and furniture containing animal fibers (wool, fur, hides, hair, and feathers) before bringing them into the home.
- Check under collars, along seams, and in crevices of used items for larvae and damage.
- Wash clothes in hot water or have them dry-cleaned before putting them in long-term storage.
- Store susceptible items in airtight bags and containers.
- Use pheromone traps for adults in storage areas.