Have you noticed small holes in your shirts, sweaters and other garments after taking them out of the dryer? Some people automatically assume their clothes dryer or washing machine is to blame. But before you point the finger at your appliances, you should first check to see if moths are the culprit.
According to Wikipedia, there are more than 160,000 species of moths on Earth. The moths that most people know and recognize — the variety that you can see flying around at night — are not the ones that feast on clothes. Clothes moths are smaller and more reserved, preferring to hide in the shadows as they feast on woolen materials.
Store Your Clothes in a Well-Lit Area
One of the easiest ways to protect your clothes from moths is to store them in a well-lit area. It’s a little-known fact that moths hate light and will often avoid it when possible. You can use this to your advantage by storing your clothes in a well-lit area, such as your bedroom closet with the light on.
Vacuum
Another essential step in maintaining a moth-free home is to vacuum your floors on a regular basis. Moths lay eggs during their reproductive cycle — eggs that will remain scattered on the floor until they hatch. Vacuuming at least once per week will make a world of difference in your battle against these pets, breaking the moth’s life cycle one egg at a time.
Moth Balls
Of course, you can also protect your clothes from moths by using special additive products known as moth balls. Moth balls are small balls which contain pesticides. When added to your laundry, it will leach a small amount of pesticide on your clothes, discouraging moths and other common pests from attacking them. With that said, it’s recommended that you air out your clothes before wearing them when using moth balls (you don’t want to wear a shirt or garment covered in pesticide).
What About Leather?
Moths love wool and woolen fabrics, but thankfully they do not enjoy feasting on leather. Leather is stronger and more durable than woolen, making it an excellent choice for people who struggle with moth infestations on a regular basis. Whether you store leather in a dark or well-lit environment, you don’t have to worry about moths attacking them. The same can’t be said for wool and woolen, however, in which case you should follow the steps listed here to protect your garments from these tiny invaders.