Spring is the perfect time to give your home a fresh start, and while you’re cleaning out cupboards and closets, it’s also an ideal moment to tackle one of the most common household pests: moths. Whether you’re dealing with a clothes moth or a pantry moth infestation, these tiny insects can cause big problems. From holes in your favourite jumper to spoiled dry goods in the kitchen, moths are a nuisance that’s best dealt with before they become a full-blown infestation.

In this blog, we’ll explore how to identify these pesky moths and, more importantly, how to get rid of clothes and pantry moths and how prevent them from coming back. By incorporating simple cleaning and prevention strategies into your spring cleaning routine, you can protect your home and belongings from damage.

Pantry moth vs. clothes moth: How are they different?

Before you can address an infestation, it’s important to know exactly what you’re dealing with. Two of the most common household pests are clothes moths and pantry moths, each with distinct characteristics. Understanding their appearance and life stages can help you detect them early.

What Do Clothes Moths Look Like?

Clothes moths are small, winged insects that can cause significant damage to fabrics. The two main types of clothes moths commonly found in homes are the webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the casemaking clothes moth (Tinea pellionella). Both are around 6-8mm in length, with a beige or golden hue, making them blend easily into fabrics. Unlike many other moth species, clothes moths avoid bright light and are often found in dark corners of wardrobes or drawers.

Tinea pellionella

Tineola bisselliella

The real damage, however, is not caused by the adult moths but by the clothes moth larvae. The common clothes moth larvae are small, white caterpillars with a soft body. They feed on natural fibres such as wool, silk, and cashmere, as well as any fabric that has traces of sweat, food, or oils.

Tinea pellionella

Tineola bisselliella

What do moth eggs look like on clothes?

Clothes moth eggs are tiny, almost invisible to the naked eye, and are white or cream in colour. They are laid in clusters directly on fabrics, making it difficult to spot them early. After hatching, the larvae spin a protective clothes moth cocoon from fibres of the fabric they are feeding on. These cocoons can often be seen attached to clothes or fabric surfaces.

What Are Pantry Moths?

Pantry moths, also known as the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella), are the most common pests found in kitchens and pantries. These moths are slightly larger than clothes moths, measuring around 10mm in length. They have brownish-grey wings with a distinctive coppery or bronze band near the tips, making them easier to spot flying around food storage areas.

Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella)

What do pantry moths eat?

The pantry moth life cycle begins when a female lays her eggs on or near stored food items. They thrive on dry goods such as flour, grains, cereals, nuts, and even pet food. Once the eggs hatch, the pantry moth larvae (small, cream-coloured caterpillars) begin feeding on these food items. They create webbing and silk-like threads, which are often a sign of infestation. The larvae then pupate and eventually emerge as adult moths, continuing the cycle.

Where do pantry moths come from?

Pantry moth eggs can hitch a ride into your home via food packaging, especially in bulk or imported goods. Once inside, they multiply rapidly, contaminating food items with their larvae and webs.

Are pantry moths harmful?

The adult moths themselves don’t bite or carry diseases, but their larvae can spoil food, making it unsafe to consume.

How to know if your home's infested by moths

Once you know what clothes moths and pantry moths look like, the next step is determining whether your home has become their breeding ground. Both types of moths leave tell-tale signs of their presence, and identifying an infestation early can save you from further damage.

Signs of a clothes moth infestation

The damage caused by clothes moths often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. To avoid ruined fabrics, keep an eye out for these signs:

• Holes in fabrics: One of the most obvious signs of an infestation is the appearance of small, irregular holes in your clothes. The clothes moth larvae feed on natural fibres like wool, cashmere, and silk, creating tiny holes that ruin garments. Check items that have been stored for long periods, especially in dark, undisturbed areas.

• Silk webbing or cocoons: Look for fine silk webbing on clothes or inside drawers and wardrobes. The clothes moth cocoon is usually made from fibres of the fabric they are feeding on. You may find small cases or tubes attached to the clothes.

• Clothes moth larvae and eggs: Spotting larvae or eggs is a strong indication of an infestation. Clothes moth eggs are tiny, white specks on fabric surfaces, often hidden in folds or creases. The larvae, which look like small white caterpillars, can sometimes be seen crawling on clothing or inside drawers. They can be difficult to spot due to their tiny size, so careful inspection is key.

• Dead moths: You may notice small, dead clothes moths on the floor or trapped in wardrobe corners. 

Signs of a pantry moth infestation

Pantry moths are notorious for spoiling food, and early detection can prevent food waste. Here are the key signs of a pantry moth infestation:

• Moths flying around the kitchen: If you spot small moths fluttering around your kitchen, especially near food storage areas, this could be a sign of an infestation. The moths are often found around pantry shelves, cupboards, or even flying near the ceiling.

• Webbing in food packaging: One of the first signs of pantry moth larvae is webbing inside food containers or packaging. These silk-like threads may be found in dry goods like flour, grains, or cereal, indicating that the larvae are feeding inside.

• Infested food: Inspect your dry food items for contamination. The larvae leave behind webs, droppings, and even live larvae, making the food unsafe to consume. Small clumps of infested food are also a common sign, particularly in items like flour or grains.

• Damage to packaging: If you notice holes or tears in food packaging, this could be a sign that pantry moths have chewed through the materials to reach the food inside. Damaged packaging is a common way to identify an infestation, especially if the food is spilling out or clumped together.

How to deal with a moth infestation: Time to spring clean!

Once you’ve identified signs of a moth infestation in your home, it’s time to take action. Whether you’re dealing with clothes moths in your wardrobe or pantry moths in the kitchen, a thorough spring cleaning and targeted treatments will help you eliminate these pests.

How to get rid of clothes moths

If your wardrobe has been invaded by clothes moth larvae, follow these steps to clear them out and protect your fabrics:

1. Deep clean your wardrobe

Remove all clothing and thoroughly vacuum the interior of your wardrobe, paying special attention to corners, cracks, and seams where moth eggs and larvae might be hiding. Be sure to vacuum drawers, shelves, and any storage spaces where clothes are kept. After vacuuming, wipe down all surfaces with a natural insecticide or a vinegar solution to kill any remaining larvae or eggs.

For an added layer of protection, you can also mix a few drops of essential oils like citronella, lavender, or eucalyptus into your cleaning solution. These essential oils are not only natural moth repellents but also leave a fresh, pleasant scent in your wardrobe.

2. Wash or freeze infested clothes

Launder your clothes at the highest temperature suitable for the fabric to kill clothes moth larvae. For delicate items, placing them in a freezer for 48 hours can also eliminate moth eggs and larvae. This method ensures that the larvae are destroyed without damaging sensitive fabrics.

3. Use moth traps

Set up moth traps inside your wardrobe. These traps are typically sticky pheromone traps designed to attract and capture adult clothes moths. The traps work by releasing pheromones that mimic the scent of female moths, luring the males in. Once the male moths land on the sticky surface, they become trapped, which helps to reduce the moth population and disrupt the breeding cycle. 

Shop Super Ninja Clothes Moth Trap at Aussie Pharma Direct.

4. Natural repellents

After cleaning, use natural repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter future infestations. These not only repel moths but also leave a pleasant scent in your wardrobe. Additionally, you could try using the Euclove Linen & Bedding Spray to protect your beddings from moths. This spray contains a powerful combination of neem oil, Blue Gum Eucalyptus essential oil, lavender essential oil, and Vetiver oil, all of which are known for their pest-repelling properties. Studies have shown that the aroma of lavender is particularly effective in repelling moths.

Because Euclove Linen & Bedding Spray is designed for use on various fabrics, you can also try spraying it on some of your clothes, adding an extra layer of protection against moths while keeping your wardrobe fresh and clean.

How to get rid of pantry moths

Getting rid of pantry moths requires a thorough approach to prevent reinfestation. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Remove all food items

Empty your pantry entirely and carefully inspect all food products for signs of infestation. Discard any food that shows signs of larvae, eggs, or webbing. Pay special attention to grains, cereals, and flours, as these are common targets for pantry moths.

2. Clean thoroughly

Wipe down pantry shelves, cupboards, and containers with a mixture of vinegar and water. Similar to what you’d do when cleaning your wardrobe for clothes moths, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus, lavender or citronella to the solution to clean them. This natural cleaning solution helps disinfect the area and remove any lingering pantry moth eggs or larvae. Don’t forget to clean the corners and cracks, as these are often hiding spots for moths. 

3. Use pantry moth traps

Set up pantry moth traps to capture adult moths. These sticky traps are effective in reducing the pantry moth population by attracting and capturing them, preventing them from laying more eggs and continuing the infestation cycle.

4. Store food properly

After cleaning, transfer all remaining dry goods into airtight containers. This helps to keep pantry moths from accessing and contaminating your food in the future. Airtight glass or thick plastic containers are ideal for preventing re-infestation, as they provide a solid barrier that moths cannot penetrate.

For an extra layer of protection, consider adding a few bay leaves inside the containers. Bay leaves have a natural scent that repels pantry moths and other pests, helping to keep your food safe and fresh.

Long-term maintenance tips

Keeping moths out of your home requires consistent care and attention. Here are some ongoing tips to maintain a moth-free home:

• Regular inspections: Make it a habit to inspect your wardrobe and pantry every few months. Early detection can save you from a larger infestation.

• Replace natural repellents: Refresh cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or bay leaves regularly to maintain their effectiveness in deterring moths.

• Control humidity: Moths thrive in dark, damp environments, so ensure your home is well-ventilated, and reduce humidity levels in areas prone to moths.

• Keep food storage organised: Ensure all pantry items are stored in sealed containers, and discard expired food promptly to prevent attracting pantry moths.

Conclusion

By incorporating these tips into your spring cleaning routine, you can prevent clothes moths and pantry moths from taking over your home. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and natural repellents will help keep your clothes and food safe from damage. With a little effort, you can enjoy a moth-free home all year round.

If you're dealing with a larger or more persistent moth infestation, however, it may be worth considering professional pest control services to ensure the problem is fully eliminated and to prevent further damage to your home.

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Home & Lifestyle Household Cleaning Tips Pest Control Spring Cleaning Tips