Clothes moths can cause a lot of damage to knitwear made from natural fibres such as wool and cashmere. This is typically seen in the spring and summer months when the clothes moth is actively reproducing due to optimal temperature and humidity.
The clothes moth life cycle
It is not the moths themselves, but their larvae which do the damage, as they feed on the keratin protein within the fibres. The lifecycle of the most typical species of clothes moths in the UK is shown below, although timings can vary based on environmental conditions:
As damage tends to occur when your knitwear is unused during the summer months, it may not be immediately apparent. The eggs themselves are not normally visible, and it is only as the lifecycle progresses, that the damage caused by the larvae will be seen as small holes and threadbare patches.
Here is a photographic example of moth damage to a pure wool jumper, sent to us by a customer. Unlike with holes due to wear, the holes tend to be small and randomly distributed throughout the knit.
How to prevent moth damage
It is possible to take precautions to prevent damage like this occurring. Here are some tips to help you care for your knits so they last for years to come.
- Always wash your knitwear before storing it for any length of time. The adult moths are particularly attracted to dirt such as sweat, body oils and food spills. See our Knitwear care guide for how to wash your knits.
- Store knitwear in breathable storage bags made from fibres such as cotton or in vacuum sealed bags or plastic boxes with lids that moths cannot get in.
- Use natural deterrents such as lavender sachets and cedar balls within your wardrobes and drawers.
As moths prefer dark, undisturbed areas, ensure that you regularly go into your wardrobes and don't store clothes too tightly. Improve airflow and reduce humidity if needed. Why not have a sort through your clothes, taking any which haven't been worn for over 12 months to a charity shop, or sell them on reselling sites?
Remember, this doesn't just apply to jumpers and cardigans, but also your smaller winter accessories such as scarves, hats and gloves.
What to do if you find moth damage in your knitwear
If you find moth damage in your knitwear, put the item in a sealed plastic bag and place it in the freezer to kill any eggs or larvae which may still be present for at least 72 hours. We'd advise a week to be on the safe side.
Check other knits for any sign of damage and treat accordingly.
Remove everything from your wardrobe or drawers. Wash all clothes that can go in a washing machine in case they contain any eggs. Vacuum the inside of your storage space, emptying the vacuum cleaner contents outside in case there are any living eggs or larvae. Wash down the inside with soap and water, paying particular attention to any cracks and crevices. Allow to thoroughly dry before putting clothing back in.
If you have a severe infestation, use a natural moth killer/repellent spray and carry out a deep clean of your room. Make sure you vacuum around skirting boards and under furniture and remove dust from all surfaces such as curtain poles and skirtings.
You can use pheromone moth traps to check the moth levels which may be in your home. Place these in undisturbed areas such as under chests of drawers, bedside tables and settees. Do not place them on windowsills as this will attract moths from outside into your home! Likewise, do not place them inside your wardrobe or drawers.
It is also possible to use moth decoy tablets which act by confusing male moths, disrupting the breeding cycle without killing them.
If you believe your moth infestation has spread to soft furnishings and carpets, you may wish to call in the professionals to get these professionally cleaned.
When you have removed your damaged knit from the freezer, it's important to handle the garment with care to prevent any holes from unravelling further, until it can be fixed. We provide free darning yarn for mending, if we are still able to get hold of the original yarn used to make your Croft House knit. Please contact us and we will see if we can help!