Moths in the Closet: A Guide to Preventing Clothing Damage in Houston

Moths in the Closet: A Guide to Preventing Clothing Damage in Houston

Nothing is more frustrating than opening your closet to find holes in your favorite sweater or coat. Moths are common pests that can cause major damage to your clothing, especially in Houston’s hot and humid climate. 

If you’re struggling with Houston clothes moth infestations, follow these tips. We’ll show you how to get rid of closet moths quick, fast, and in a hurry. 

What Are Clothes Moths?

Clothes moths are small flying insects that measure between 5 to 10 mm in length. They have distinctive golden or beige-colored wings with fringed edges. They prefer warm and dark environments, which makes your closet area a perfect spot for them. 

Clothes moths lay their eggs in natural fibers such as wool, cashmere, silk, and fur. The eggs hatch within a week, and the larvae feed on the fibers, causing damage to clothes, carpets, furniture, and bedding.

Though these pests can be found just about everywhere, Houston’s hot and humid climate, unfortunately, creates a welcoming environment for clothes moths. They thrive in temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity. 

The Gulf Coast climate as a whole provides the ideal environment for the moths to breed and infest homes. Clothes moths also find good habitat in the older and historic homes found in Houston and surrounding areas.

How to Reduce Damage to Your Garments from Clothes Moths

Clothes moths can be a nightmare for anyone who values their clothing collection. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of damage from these pesky creatures.

One tip is to store your clothing in sealed containers or bags, away from sunlight. Make sure that you don’t leave any gaps in the storage containers, as moths can get inside to lay their eggs. If you have a large wardrobe, you can also consider investing in a cedar-lined closet, which naturally repels clothes moths.

When storing sweaters, hang them on special hangers with cedar blocks. The cedar scent repels moths, and cedar blocks can be refreshed with essential oils or sanded to release more scent. You can also store your winter coats in garment bags with cedar balls or sachets to keep them moth-free. 

One final note is that clothes moths prefer to feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, and cashmere. They also feed on feathers and fur, but they cannot digest synthetic fibers like polyester. You may want to be extra vigilant if your clothing collection is made of these sorts of fibers.

Stopping Houston Clothes Moth Infestations Before They Start

Clothes moths aren’t just a minor annoyance – they can wreak havoc on your entire wardrobe. If left unchecked, they can cause costly damage. 

Here are some tips on how to stop Houston clothes moth infestations.

Vacuum Regularly 

One of the most crucial things you can do to prevent clothes moth infestations is to vacuum your home, particularly anywhere clothing is stored, regularly. This is because clothes moths lay their eggs in dark and undisturbed places like closets and drawers. 

Vacuuming these areas frequently can eliminate potential breeding grounds for these pests.

Control the Temperature and Humidity 

Houston’s climate can be humid, exasperating the problem with clothes moth infestations. Clothes moths thrive in warm and damp environments, so it’s essential to keep your home’s humidity levels low. 

Consider investing in a dehumidifier and aiming for a humidity level between 50 and 60%. Also, controlling the temperature by keeping it below 72.5°F helps to prevent the infestation from spreading – plus, it’s more comfortable for you, too!

Wash Clothes Often

Clothes moths are attracted to sweat, body oils, and food stains, and washing your clothes can eliminate these attractants altogether. It’s particularly important to wash, or have laundered properly, the clothes you don’t wear frequently.

Thoroughly Clean Drawers and Closets

Once again, clothes moths love dark and undisturbed areas like drawers and closets, and this is where they lay their eggs. Therefore you must frequently clean these areas, especially where you keep your woolen clothes, cashmere, and silk; clothes moth favorites.

Avoid Mothballs or Scented Candles

While some people might think that mothballs or scented candles can help deter clothes moths, they aren’t always effective. Mothballs can cause significant health problems and are highly toxic to humans and pets, even if you use them in an out-of-reach area like the attic.

And while scented candles might make your home smell heavenly, they contain oils that can attract clothes moths rather than repel them. So it’s best to avoid these altogether.

The Takeaway

Moths can be a real nuisance, especially in Houston’s warm and humid climate. However, there are several steps you can take to prevent moth damage and protect your clothing.

Remember to stay vigilant and regularly inspect your closet for signs of moth activity. By being proactive, you can ensure that your clothes remain in pristine condition and moth-free.

And if you’re still struggling with closet moths, it might be time to contact professional pest control services. At Hawx Pest Control, we make customer satisfaction our top priority. With our professional services and super-friendly team of experts, we’ll get the job done right – and you’ll be able to join our growing family of satisfied customers.