Moth invasion: Safeguard your wardrobe with these tips
Clothing moths, though small, are persistent pests that can make a home in our wardrobes. These moths feed on all types of fabric, which can lead to significant damage. How can you identify their presence and combat them?
Clothing moths can become a nightmare for any wardrobe. Their presence often goes unnoticed until we discover damaged clothing. These small pests feast on natural fabrics like wool, silk, and cotton, causing harm. How do you recognise the presence of clothing moths, and how can you combat them? We'll give you some tips.
How to identify the presence of clothing moths?
The first signs of moths are small holes in fabrics and the characteristic flying insects that resemble moths. You may also notice their larvae, small white caterpillars, in the corners of wardrobes or on clothing.
How to combat clothing moths?
It's worth starting the fight against moths by using natural deterrents. These include dried lavender, cedar, sage and cloves, which moths tend to avoid. We can place these herbs in wardrobes and drawers, creating aromatic sachets that will repel uninvited guests.
Another way to get rid of clothing moths is to use vinegar or lemon juice. How do you do it? Prepare a liquid and place it in a spray bottle, then spray the surface of the empty wardrobe.
An effective method for a clothing moth infestation is using hot air from a hair dryer. Moths die at temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. How do you get rid of clothing moths using a hair dryer? Direct a stream of hot air along the seams in the wardrobe. The pests present there will die from the high temperature. Beware! Use this method cautiously with lacquered furniture, as the stream of hot air may damage the finish. Another method using heat is ironing clothes at a high temperature (of course, according to the clothing manufacturer's recommendations). The high temperature will kill the larvae.
How to prevent the appearance of moths?
To effectively prevent moths from reappearing in our wardrobes, it's worth regularly cleaning the entire closet. Start by meticulously cleaning all shelves and wardrobe interiors using water solutions with vinegar. Adding a few drops of lavender oil will ensure a pleasant scent and repel moths.
An essential element of prevention is also the proper storage of clothes. Organise the wardrobe by placing less frequently used clothes in sealed bags or closed containers. If you decide to keep seasonal clothes longer, it is worth having them dry-cleaned beforehand to minimise the potential risk of leaving behind moth eggs.
