How to Fight a Moth Infestation and Protect Your Home
If you’ve noticed small holes in your clothing, larvae in your pantry, or fluttering moths near your ceiling, you might be facing a moth infestation. It is a common household issue and one that’s often misunderstood. But with the right strategy, you can take control.
In this blog, we will walk you through exactly how to fight a moth infestation. From identifying the source to using monitoring tools effectively, these expert-backed tips will help you clear the problem and keep it from returning.
What Is a Moth Infestation?
A moth infestation begins quietly, often going unnoticed until visible damage appears. Adult moths lay eggs in dark, undisturbed places where food is readily available for their larvae. Once hatched, the larvae, not the moths themselves, are responsible for the destruction. They feed on either natural fibers or dry food, depending on the species.
The most common household moths are Clothes Moths (Tineola bisselliella), which thrive on keratin rich fabrics like wool, silk, and cashmere, and Pantry Moths (Plodia interpunctella), which infest cereals, rice, flour, pet food, and similar items. Identifying which species you are dealing with is crucial, as it determines your treatment plan.
Moth infestations can happen in even the cleanest homes. Moths are not necessarily drawn to dirt or grime, but rather to items that have been untouched for a long while, or stored in dark places that offer an easy food source. A single moth that slips through a window or arrives via contaminated food packaging can start a full scale infestation.
Pinpointing the Problem
The first step in any successful moth control strategy is identifying the source of the infestation. Clothes Moths prefer settling to lay eggs at the backs of closets, under beds, inside storage chests, and among folded seasonal garments. Pantry Moths, by contrast, are drawn to kitchen cupboards and food storage zones, especially if dry goods are not sealed properly.
Signs of an active infestation include visible larvae or webbing on clothing or food packaging, small holes in fabrics, and adult moths flying in specific areas of the home. Adult Pantry Moths often hover near ceiling corners or cabinet doors, while Clothes Moths are more likely to stay close to the floor and avoid light. You might also notice a musty smell or fine dust around infested areas.
Deep Cleaning Is Non Negotiable
Once the source has been located, a deep and thorough cleaning routine is essential. For wardrobe infestations, all clothing should be washed according to care labels, dry cleaned if necessary, or frozen for 72 hours at minus 18 degrees Celsius to kill larvae and eggs. Vacuuming is essential, especially along baseboards, behind furniture, inside drawers, and in corners where larvae or eggs may be hiding.
Pantry infestations require emptying all cupboards and disposing of infested food items in sealed outdoor bins. Even seemingly unaffected items should be inspected closely. Wipe all shelving, drawer liners, and cabinet hardware with a vinegar or detergent solution. Pay attention to edges and crevices, where eggs can remain hidden. Do not forget to clean behind appliances and inside rarely used drawers.
Be patient and methodical. Moth eggs are tiny and easily missed. Take the time to dismantle shelf units if necessary and wash containers before restocking them.
Why Traps Matter After Cleaning
Even the most thorough cleaning may not remove every moth or egg. That is why using species specific monitoring traps is vital. These traps help track adult male moth activity and act as an early warning system if new moths appear. Clothes Moth Traps should be placed in wardrobes, closets, and storage areas. Pantry Moth Traps belong in kitchen cupboards, especially near dry goods.
Traps should remain in place for several weeks. Check them regularly and note any new activity. Replace Clothes Moth Traps every 12 weeks or sooner if they become full or dusty. Replace Pantry Moth Traps every 8 weeks. Keep in mind that traps alone will not eliminate an infestation, but they are an essential part of an integrated approach.
Break the Lifecycle with Persistence
Moths reproduce quickly. A single adult female can lay up to 100 eggs over a few days. To truly eliminate an infestation, you need to break the lifecycle. This means repeating cleaning procedures regularly for several weeks and maintaining vigilance even when signs of activity appear to diminish.
Do not return garments to storage without cleaning them first. Freeze or launder as appropriate. Food items must be transferred into airtight containers to prevent re-entry. Closets and cabinets should remain dry, clean, and well ventilated. And do not overlook hidden spaces like under appliances or behind heavy furniture, as these are prime egg laying spots.
For long term infestations or repeated outbreaks, consider professional pest control to inspect structural areas like vents, wall cavities, or floorboards, where moths might be breeding.
You may also find our Clothes Moths Kit Guide and our Carpet Moths Kit Guide helpful.
Long Term Defence Tactics
Prevention is just as important as treatment. Make it a routine to inspect stored garments and pantry items monthly. Rotate long term storage, open drawers and wardrobes occasionally to disrupt any quiet potential egg-laying spots, and freeze non-infested bulk dry goods for a few days before storing them.
For clothing, avoid plastic storage solutions that trap moisture. Instead, use breathable cotton garment bags. Vacuum storage bags can work well for seasonal items but must be kept in a clean, dry environment. Cedar and lavender may help deter moths but are not a replacement for cleaning and monitoring.
Regular cleaning schedules, airtight storage, and a watchful eye will make your home an unwelcoming place for moths. In humid environments, consider using dehumidifiers in wardrobes or storage rooms to further reduce the risk.
Final Thought
Fighting a moth infestation is not just about removing what is visible. It is about understanding the behaviour of the pest, targeting its environment, and eliminating opportunities for it to return. With thorough cleaning, proper storage habits, and strategic use of monitoring tools, you can protect your home from further damage.
If you are already seeing the signs, act quickly. Infestations grow silently, but consistent effort and expert tools can keep your garments and pantry moth free for good.
Our expert-recommended Moth Traps will help monitor activity and can protect your home all year round.
About MothPrevention
MothPrevention® speak to customers every day about their clothes moth issues - clothes moths are a species that are ever increasing and that can cause significant damage to clothes, carpets and other home textiles.
To date, we’ve helped over 250,000 customers deal with their moth problems. We have developed professional grade solutions including proprietary pheromones and trap design, not available from anybody else in the USA.
