How To Stop Moths Eating Your Clothes
What Are Clothes Moths?
Clothes moths, tineola bisselliella, are particularly fond of cashmere & fine fabrics such as merino wool; in fact we think they might just cashmere more than us. They search it out and by laying their eggs on the soft natural fibres, they can cause catastrophic damage to your favourite cashmere jumper and accessories.
If you see moths flying around your house they are unlikely to be the clothes moths, but pantry pests, the moth that infests your grains and flours. Clothes moths do not like the light and you will be unlikely to see them, plus the adult moth won't do any harm, it is the larvae that does the damage. The female moth will lay her eggs where there is plenty of food, cashmere, wool, fur, pet fur and other animal-based materials.
Why Moths Eat Clothes
So it's that time of year when those pesky moths start laying all their eggs on your lovely cashmere. Moths love to eat clothes as they're a warm and dry place to lay their eggs during the breeding season. If this is starting to make your shudder, perhaps maybe glaze over the next part.
March marks the beginning of the moth breeding season, The female adult moths lay eggs on natural fibres such as wool, fur, cashmere and animal fibres and can lay up to 300 eggs between March and September. Yes, that's 300 eggs all over your clothes or fabrics. The eggs or larvae eat the fibre before they evolve. A lot of people are afraid of treating themselves to a piece of cashmere knitwear quite simply because of the devastating damage the little clothes moth larvae can do. Moths do love cashmere, but they also love wool and other natural fibres so it is best to get into good habits now as the breeding season starts. It is easy to keep the moths at bay, you just need to follow our step by step guide. One thing we do know for sure....100% pure cashmere is definitely worth the effort.
How To Avoid & Prevent Moths Eating Clothes
It is really quite simple to keep the moths at bay and make sure your cashmere is always looking its best by following our guide.
- The first thing we recommend is to use a moth box, (see our Cashmere Care products) , to check if you have moth infestation. Designed to stop the breeding cycle, our effective moth box attracts the male moths onto the female pheromone-impregnated adhesive strip which traps and ultimately kills them. This strip also helps to see the seriousness of your moth problem. Place inside your wardrobe in quiet, undisturbed place.
- Keep all your wardrobes and cupboards clean. It's always good to give them a deep clean, hoover and wipe down every spring to get rid of moths so there aren't dusty corners for them to hide in.
- Wash all your cashmere, to ensure it is clean. Moths love worn cashmere. Either machine wash or dry clean depending on the washing instructions.
- Keep your cashmere in a breathable storage, so the moths can't get in. Keeping cashmere clothes in plastic bags isn't great as they can't breathe, natural fibres need to be able to breathe.
- Use moth repellent products. We think the most effective way of preventing moths is by using a pheromone "Moth Box"together with a variety of anti-moth products. The moth box is one of the most effective way of trapping moths as it attracts the the males and traps them therefore stopping the cycle of the females laying their eggs. It also helps you monitor the level of infestation. Our specially formulated "Linen Spray" and "Anti Moth Sachets" will emit a sweet fragrance which is designed to deter them, as well as keeping your clothes fragrant, unlike so many other anti moth products.
- Regularly check the garments for signs of a moth infestation. This may seem a strange recommendation, but it is advisable to place your sealed bags of cashmere into the freezer every so often, as should any eggs have been laid, the below zero temperature will kill them off and prevent any holes forming.
- Place a natural moth sachet in the garment bag as the specially formulated mixture gives off a pleasant aroma which is great a preventing moths.
Regularly Check For Moths
Always keep checking your cashmere knitwear for signs of moth infestation. Remember, should you be unlucky and experience any tiny moth holes, use your complimentary yarn sample (attached to every garment) to make a careful repair, or call us for some additional yarn or to simply ask our advice!