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How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths

How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths

How do you get rid of clothes moths? It is a common question that pops up this time of year when people are sifting through their belongings for seasonal 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 Vault 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 Moths

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

Take a look at what’s salvageable after you’ve figured out what damaged your possessions. Some components will have to be discarded, but others may be revived with a warm wash or trip on the dryer.

Check the tags on your clothes before washing them! Clean any storage space in your house, as well as your clothing, with a shampoo or steam cleaning. Vacuum carefully and completely if you have carpeted floors in your room. Insects may be removed by washing or steam cleaning.

Prevent Future Clothes Moths

It’s time to put up some preventative measures now that you’ve dealt with the current problem. Fill plastic containers or bags with your remaining belongings. If you want garment bags, tape any possible hole locations, such as seams, for further security and peace of mind.

Another solution is to change the location of your storage space on a regular basis—rearranging, swapping items in and out, and so on. These moths dislike movement and light, so make every effort to keep your storage box free of darkness and moisture.

On a regular basis, visiting your storage container allows you the opportunity to expose it for ventilation.

 

Vault Storage Co. in MD and PA

Find affordable storage units to keep your belongings safe! With convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Vault Storage Co. is your complete destination for all things storage related.

Choose from a variety of amenities, including indoor storage units, vehicle parking at select facilities, and convenient drive-up storage units. Additionally, for your security, all units are housed within a gated and fenced-in perimeter that features 24 hour security camera monitoring, and secure keypad entry.

Feel comfortable and secure storing your cherished items with Vault Storage Co. Call us today, or stop by and chat with our team of in-house storage experts!

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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.