How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths
Looking for a way to get rid of clothes moths this year? When individuals are cleaning out their closets for spring cleaning, this is a frequent question. Clothes moths are not a pleasant surprise to find when organizing and packing, but there are a few things you can do to correct the problem and avoid future damage. Be sure to look for holes in clothing and fabrics that have been stored in a dark place. Follow ABC Storage’s suggestions below to eliminate clothes moths and prevent them from entering your storage container!
How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths (in Home Storage & Storage Units)
Identify the Problem
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 any potential holes. The web left behind by a clothes moth can help you identify one. The moths’ young are, in fact, the source of the issue rather than adult moths. They like dark, humid places and eat cloth produced from animals such as wool and cashmere.
Clean Your Clothes and Space
OK, so you’ve identified the clothes moths. Now what?
When you have materials that were ruined beyond the point of repair, you should get rid of them. Materials with minor damage may be restored by washing them in warm water or dry cleaning. Before putting your clothes in the washer, double-check the tags to ensure that they are clean.
You will also want to clean your storage space, whether that be a closet, attic, basement, or storage unit. Vacuum the area and immediately throw away the vacuum bag. If you are dealing with a carpeted space, it may also be worth it to steam clean the area for safe measures.
Learn to Prevent Future Clothes Moths
Now that you have gotten rid of the immediate issue, it is time to set up some precautions for the future. Pack your remaining clothing into sealed bins or bags. If you choose to use garment bags, tape up any potential hole spaces, like seams, for additional security and peace of mind.
Another option is to move your storage space around frequently—reorganizing, swapping items in and out, etc. These moths dislike movement and light, so do your best to keep your storage unit from becoming a dark, moist environment. Visiting your storage unit often will give you the opportunity to open up your storage unit to allow for ventilation.
ABC Storage in Harrisburg PA
Looking for affordable storage units in Harrisburg, PA? Introducing ABC Storage, a brand new storage facility east of Harrisburg. Choose from a variety of storage amenities, including temperature-controlled storage units, convenient drive-up storage units and more! Additionally, for your security, all storage units are housed within a gated and fenced perimeter, with 24 hour security camera monitoring and secure keypad access. Feel secure storing your personal items at ABC Storage this year. Call or email the store today, or stop by in person and chat with the team of storage experts at ABC Storage!
Katie Mest
About the Author: Katie Mest is an SEO 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 camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors with her newly adopted Greyhound rescue, Titan.
