Reply To: Clothes moths

[E. Vinje]

Hi Carolyn –

Clothes moths are common throughout the United States and can be very destructive. The small, white larva (1/2″) chew holes in all kinds of animal-based fabrics, including wool, silk and fur, and leave behind webbing and fecal matter. Unfortunately, trichogramma wasps probably will NOT attack clothes moths, although several blogs, and other websites suggest they do.

To control Clothes Moths indoors we recommend the following natural methods:
• Vacuuming suspect areas including ALL cracks and crevices
• Keep clothes clean and wash or dry-clean fabrics prior to storage
• Use fabric bags or plastic tubs when storing woolens and other fabrics
• Pheromone traps will help detect moths and are helpful for locating problem areas
• Herbal Moth Repellent Packs will protect clothes from moth damage
• Garden Dust (Bt-k), Boric Acid Powder and Diatomaceous Earth will kill the larvae

Hope this helps!