OK – let’s face it. We have bigger things today to worry about than moths. But a clothes moth infestation – even a small or emerging one - can be difficult to spot in your home. One small fluttering moth is cause for concern. But a few? Be wary. Now's the time to discover where they’re coming from and to carefully inspect your clothing and textiles for damage. You may not know you have a problem until you find holes in a favorite wool sweater, suit, blanket, rug or other beloved textile. Show I spent months battling a moth infestation this year. The first sign: loose fibers and a mysterious hole in an antique wool rug. But when five friends at a dinner party admitted to finding moth damage in their homes, I realized the problem is more pervasive than I’d thought. If unattended, moths can wreak tremendous damage to materials and fabrics, and they’re a challenge to eradicate. Here’s why: female moths can lay hundreds of eggs. When the eggs hatch into larvae, they seek out food sources, eat nonstop and can take weeks to cocoon and transform into adult moths, which live between 15 to 30 days. The entire cycle takes roughly 4-6 months. So, a successful moth battle is twofold: kill the tiny, voracious larvae eating through your natural fiber textiles, and kill the moths before they mate, lay more eggs and begin the life cycle again. Here’s how to do it. How to Spot, Treat and Prevent Moth InfestationsIdentify the ProblemWhat Clothes Moths Eat:
Symptoms of Clothes Moth Damage:
Where to Look for Clothes Moths:
What Clothes Moths Look Like:
Treatment
Prevention
And here’s something else to think about: some traditional moth preventatives should be used with caution. Mothballs and moth cakes do effectively repel and kill moths but contain chemicals that evaporate and produce vapors toxic for people and animals. I’d only consider using them with items placed in tight enclosures and later aired out in a space with good ventilation. Lavender and cedar storage chests and closets are also traditional repellents, but aren’t always fail safe, especially if the scent diminishes with time. Don't lose hope! It’s all about vigilance. A moth infestation is expensive and time-consuming to eradicate. Recognition is the first step in successfully eliminating them from your home. Procrastination will only prolong the problem and result in more ruined textiles. If you have questions, let me know. I’m available if you’d like personal guidance battling moths or other infestations affecting your home or collections. You can always sign up for a free 30-minute consult.
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