Clothes Moths: Signs, Damage and What to Do

What clothes moths are

Clothes moths are small, narrow, buff or golden coloured moths, usually about the length of a fingernail. They are not the large brown moths that fly around lights at night. The adults avoid light and tend to run or flutter along walls and furniture, and they do not eat fabric themselves. The damage is done by the larvae, which are small creamy caterpillars. They feed on keratin, a protein found in wool, fur, feathers and hair, which is why natural fibres are at risk.

Signs you may have moths

Adult moths seen in a wardrobe, bedroom or spare room are a strong hint, especially if you notice them in the same place more than once. Look closely at the fabric as well. Moth larvae spin silk tubes or cases and leave fine webbing on the surface of the material they feed on. Other signs are easy to confuse with ordinary dust, so look carefully in the folds and seams of garments.

• Small buff moths flying weakly or resting on walls and furniture
• Irregular holes in wool, cashmere, silk or fur clothing
• Silky webbing, tubes or tiny cases on fabric or carpet edges
• Gritty specks, which are larval droppings, matching the fabric colour
• Bare patches in carpet, often under furniture or along skirting

The damage they cause

Larvae chew through the surface of fabric and tend to leave irregular holes and thin patches, often hidden in seams, collars, cuffs and folds. On carpets and rugs, damage is typically found in quiet areas such as under beds and sofas, behind curtains, along edges and in cupboards, where there is little traffic or light. Stored items are particularly at risk, such as winter knitwear put away for summer, wool blankets and rugs, and anything stained with sweat, food or skin oils, which makes the fabric more attractive to larvae.

Why they turn up

Moths can be carried in on second hand clothing, vintage furniture, rugs, or items stored for a long time. They can also come in through open windows, or travel from a nest in a neighbouring property. Older houses with lots of nooks and natural fibre carpets can offer plenty of places to hide. Warm, dark, undisturbed spaces give them the strongest chance, which is why the problem often begins in a cupboard or under a bed. Heating that stays on in winter keeps them active for longer.

What you can safely do yourself

Start by finding out where the damage is. Remove items from the affected wardrobe or room, shake them out outdoors and check seams and folds. Vacuum thoroughly along skirting, inside cupboards and under furniture, then empty the vacuum into a sealed bag and outside bin straight away. Wash what the care label allows at the highest suitable temperature, and consider having delicate items cleaned professionally. Items that cannot be washed can be sealed in a bag while you decide what to do.

What not to do

Do not rely on a few sprays or scented products to clear an infestation. They may reduce flying moths for a while but rarely reach larvae hidden in carpets and fabric. Avoid putting chemicals on clothing that will be worn against skin, and never mix products. Do not just throw the contents of an infested wardrobe back inside after a quick clean. Eggs and larvae can survive in cracks, so the cycle starts again within weeks.

When to call a professional

Call us if moths keep returning, the damage is spreading, or you find larvae in carpets, upholstery or several rooms. We identify the species, trace the source and treat affected areas safely, which matters because many householders have more than one source. A professional visit is particularly sensible where valuable rugs, fitted carpets or stored wool are involved, since the cause can be well hidden. We will talk through what we find, explain what is needed and tell you plainly if a treatment is not necessary.