Despite our best efforts, sometimes moth infestations occur. When faced with a clothes moth problem, it's important to take immediate action to eradicate the infestation and prevent further damage to your clothes. Here's how you can deal with a moth infestation effectively.

If you suspect a clothes moth infestation, your local council might provide pest control services for a small fee - there’s often a discount if you’re in receipt of certain benefits too. Search your postcode here to find details for where you live. 

When dealing with a clothes moth infestation, there are various methods worth trying to eradicate moths and their larvae:

Identify the source of the infestation and remove any affected items such as clothes, carpets or soft furnishings.

Consider using natural insecticide sprays specifically formulated to target clothes moths. These sprays can effectively eliminate adult moths and larvae.

Placing infested clothes in a freezer for a few days can kill moth eggs, larvae, and adult moths, effectively halting the infestation.

Subjecting infested clothes to high temperatures, either through washing, dry cleaning, or using a hot steam iron, can also eradicate moth larvae.

Ensure thorough cleaning of affected areas, including vacuuming cracks, crevices, and other hiding spots where moth larvae may reside, to eliminate any remaining infestation.

By using a combination of these methods, you can effectively eradicate clothes moths and halt their destructive impact on your clothes.

Wool and cashmere are particularly susceptible to clothes moth infestation, as moths are attracted to natural fibres. To protect these textiles, it's important to take extra care in their storage and maintenance.

When storing woollen items, follow these tips to prevent moth infestation:

Store woollen knitwear in vacuum storage bags or airtight containers to prevent moths from accessing them.

Use cedar blocks, balls, or chips, or lavender sachets, which have moth-repellent properties, to deter clothes moths from your clothes.

Regularly vacuum and clean your wardrobe and storage areas to eliminate any existing moths or larvae.

Dry cleaning cashmere before storing helps remove any traces of food that may attract moths.

Sometimes, moth damage is unavoidable, and you may find small holes in your clothing caused by these pests. However, there are ways to repair moth holes and salvage your clothes.

If you want to salvage your clothes after moths have munched holes in them, Mumsnetters recommend the following options:

“Discovered this amazing way to repair jumpers using old felting technique. It really is ridiculously easy. I chose a contrasting colour repair but you can colour match as well. The wool fluff I was supplied will do many many repairs as you only use a wee bit.” TheCliteratti recommends Wool Filler.

Traditional darning patches up large and small holes quickly - try a darning mushroom kit for great results.

For the sewing-averse, this fabric repair powder is an iron-on option.

To give your clothes 5-star treatment, get the professionals in. Nearly New Cashmere’s mending service is Mumsnetter-approved.

After implementing preventive measures, eradicating moths, and repairing moth damage, it's natural to wonder if moths are really gone for good or just hiding. While it's impossible to guarantee they'll never darken your door again, you can take steps to reduce the risk of moths returning. 

Keep clothing clean - especially natural fibres

Store out-of-season clothes in vacuum storage bags or airtight containers

Vacuum regularly, paying particular attention to edges and corners

Deep clean your wardrobe

Keep an eye out for moths at all stages of their life cycle, and don’t hesitate to up your moth repellent game if you spot one

Read next: The best budget dehumidifiers under £100

Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She's been researching and reviewing baby and child products for 2 years, with a particular focus on baby essentials, toys and books for toddlers and outdoor play equipment. From potties to paddling pools and bunk beds to bedtime stories, she loves to deep-dive into research and find the best products out there.

Poppy is also an award-winning, best-selling children's and parenting author of books such as Don't Worry, Be Happy, The Extraordinary Book That Makes You Feel Happy and Mother Power. She specialises in children's mental health and her books are used by therapists, teachers and SENCOs across the UK. She won a The Week Junior Book Award in 2023, her books have been translated into several languages and she's been featured in The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The Sun.

After earning a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Leeds and a PGCert in Fashion and Lifestyle Journalism from University of the Arts London, she worked in fashion for most of her 20s. When her children were young, she undertook an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester and re-trained as an author and freelance writer.