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 spring 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 4Storage’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 (in Home Storage & Storage Units)
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
OK, so you’ve identified the clothes moths. Now what?
For materials that unfortunately were damaged past the point of repair, you should throw them away. Materials with only slight damages can be salvaged with a wash using warm water or dry cleaning. Always check the tags on your clothes before attempting to wash them.
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.
Prevent Future Clothes Moths with These Tips
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.
4Storage4You in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Are you a prospective mover or new resident looking for affordable storage units in New Jersey or Pennsylvania? Look no further. 4Storage4You has four self storage facilities serving the greater New Jersey and Pennsylvania area. Choose from a variety of storage amenities, including convenient drive-up storage units, parking spaces for personal vehicles and more! Additionally, for your security, all storage units are housed within a fenced and gated perimeter, with 24-hour security camera monitoring and secure keypad access. Feel secure storing your personal items at 4Storage4You this year. Call or email any of our storage facilities today, or stop by in person and chat with the team of storage experts at 4Storage4You!
If you already have a good idea about the kind of storage space you would like, you can rent your storage unit online. Our online resources, like our storage calculator, can guide you through our different options and help you find the best support for your load. See what we have available at the 4Storage4You location closest to you.
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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.
