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Moths Are Eating Holes in My Cloth
- Moths are attracted to dirty, soiled clothes. Washing your clothes is therefore essential to prevent attracting the pests. Whether it's the eggs, larvae or adult moths present on your clothing, washing them in hot water of approximately 120 degrees F for at least 20 minutes kills them. Bring clothing that can't be washed in hot water to the dry cleaner, or place them in a sealed plastic bag in the freezer. Exposure for 72 hours to temperatures around 0 degrees F is fatal to all stages of clothes moths.
- Moth traps can reduce the moths present in your clothes closet or in other areas where clothes are stored. Moth traps use a sexual-attractant chemical that attracts male moths. Because male moths mate for the duration of their lives, trapping them disables them from mating, and therefore, the moth population in your closet is reduced. Traps must be used in conjunction with laundering because the traps only eliminate adult moths, not the larvae.
- Commercial insecticide spray can effectively eradicate clothes moths. Read the insecticide spray's label before purchasing it to assure that it also lists clothes moths. The spray can be used directly on your clothes. However, certain oil-based insecticide sprays can't be used on fabrics such as rayon and silk, because it stains them. If you are uncomfortable using insecticide spray on your clothes, consult your dry cleaner, which can apply a moth-proofing solution to clothing.
- To prevent clothes moths, vacuum your home frequently to remove lint and hair that may attract moths. Vacuuming also destroys moths in any life stage. Seal and discard the vacuum cleaner bag outdoors afterward. Avoid clutter from building up in your home. When you bring new clothes in your home, store them in plastic garment bags, clothes chests or airtight containers. Include moth balls in the storage area to ward off and eliminate any moths.
Wash Your Clothes
Trapping Clothes Moths
Insecticide
Prevention of Clothes Moths
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