The clothes moth — scientifically known as Tineola bisselliella, or the webbing clothes moth — is a small nocturnal butterfly from the Tineidae family. It typically measures just 6 to 11 mm and sports a pale yellowish-brown or straw-coloured body. Despite its tiny size, this household pest can cause serious damage to your wardrobe. Here's the important detail most people get wrong: it's not the adult moth that destroys fabrics — it's the larvae.
Understanding the Clothes Moth Life Cycle
A female clothes moth can lay between 50 and 60 eggs at a time. Under normal conditions, larvae hatch within 4 to 10 days — though in cooler environments, this can extend to about three weeks. The larval stage, which is when the actual fabric damage occurs, lasts anywhere from 35 days to as long as two years depending on temperature and humidity. The transformation into an adult moth takes 8 to 10 days in summer and 3 to 4 weeks in winter. Adult moths don't eat at all — they live for roughly one month before dying.
What Do Clothes Moths Eat?
Clothes moth larvae feed on virtually any natural fibre: wool, cotton, mohair, silk, fur, and even feather-filled bedding. They're particularly drawn to animal-based fabrics like keratin-rich wool and cashmere, but they won't pass up cotton or linen either — especially if the fabric carries traces of sweat, food stains, or body oils. This means even synthetic blends aren't entirely safe if they're soiled. Left unchecked, a moth infestation can devastate an entire wardrobe in a matter of weeks.
Where Do Clothes Moths Come From?
Pinpointing exactly how clothes moths enter your home is often difficult. Even in well-maintained, clean spaces, they find their way in. Common entry points include open windows and doors, ventilation ducts in apartment buildings, and shared stairwells. Since moth larvae also feed on feathers and animal fur, a bird's nest near your window or a pet's bedding can serve as a source. Second-hand clothing, vintage rugs, and antique upholstered furniture are also frequent carriers.
What Repels Clothes Moths Naturally?
Clothes moths have a strong aversion to certain intense scents. This makes essential oils one of the most effective and chemical-free ways to keep them away. Lavender, cedarwood, eucalyptus, lemon, and clove are particularly disliked by moths. Similarly, dried herbs and spices — such as bay leaves, allspice, mint, and sage — placed in small sachets inside wardrobes can create an environment moths actively avoid.
[products:bilovit-lavender-essential-oil-10-ml, bilovit-cedarwood-essential-oil-10-ml, bilovit-eucalyptus-essential-oil-10-ml, bilovit-lemon-essential-oil-10-ml, bilovit-clove-bud-essential-oil-10-ml, bilovit-sage-essential-oil-10-ml, bilovit-peppermint-essential-oil-10-ml, bilovit-citronella-essential-oil-10-ml] [tip:Cedarwood and lavender essential oils are considered the most traditional and effective natural moth repellents. Place a few drops on cotton balls or wooden blocks inside your wardrobe for lasting protection.]Vinegar is another powerful moth deterrent. Its sharp, acidic scent is highly unpleasant for clothes moths. A diluted vinegar solution can be used to wipe down wardrobe interiors as both a cleaning agent and a preventive measure. Moths also cannot survive extreme temperatures — neither intense heat nor freezing cold.
How to Get Rid of a Clothes Moth Infestation
If moths have already settled in, you'll need a more active approach. Here are several proven methods that target both adult moths and their larvae.
Natural Scent Barriers
As mentioned above, strong aromatic scents drive moths away. For dried herbs like lavender, bay leaves, or allspice, place them in small cloth bags and tuck them among your clothes or at the bottom of your wardrobe. For liquid solutions, mix vinegar or lemon juice with warm water in a spray bottle, remove all clothing, and thoroughly mist the interior surfaces of your wardrobe. Browse our aromatherapy collection for essential oils and diffusers that can help keep your home moth-free.
Heat Treatment
Clothes moths and their larvae cannot survive temperatures above 40°C (104°F). A hairdryer set to its hottest setting can be effective for treating wardrobe joints, corners, and crevices where larvae tend to hide. Run it slowly along all seams and edges at close range. Important: avoid this method on lacquered or varnished furniture, as the heat may damage the finish.
Washing and Freezing
This is arguably the most thorough approach. Start by emptying your wardrobe completely and inspecting every item. Wash everything at the highest temperature the fabric allows. For delicate items that can't withstand hot water, seal them in plastic bags and place them in the freezer for several days. Both methods reliably kill larvae and eggs.
Ironing
A hot iron provides direct, concentrated heat that destroys moth larvae on contact. Set your iron to the highest temperature appropriate for the fabric and press thoroughly. For delicate garments, iron through a protective cloth. This is a simple but effective additional step after washing.
Commercial Moth Traps
Pheromone traps, hanging strips, aerosols, and sticky traps are widely available and can be effective at capturing adult moths. However, keep in mind that these are chemical products — use them as a short-term solution rather than a permanent fixture. After eliminating the infestation, thoroughly air out and clean the wardrobe, and wash all stored clothing before wearing it again. You can also explore insect protection products for additional options.
[warning:Commercial moth control products contain chemical substances. Use them in well-ventilated areas, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and remove them once the infestation is under control.]Preventing Clothes Moths: Key Habits
Prevention is always easier than dealing with an active infestation. A few consistent practices can significantly reduce your risk:
- Store clean clothes only — moths are attracted to sweat, body oils, and food stains on fabric
- Use natural repellents — keep lavender sachets, cedarwood blocks, or essential oil-soaked cotton balls in wardrobes and drawers
- Air out seasonal clothing — before storing winter or summer clothes long-term, wash them thoroughly and seal in airtight bags
- Inspect second-hand items — vintage clothing, rugs, and furniture should be cleaned before bringing them into your home
- Maintain airflow — moths prefer dark, undisturbed, humid spaces, so regularly open wardrobes and let air circulate
Key Takeaway: Clothes moths thrive in undisturbed, warm environments with access to natural fibres. The most reliable way to eliminate them is through temperature extremes — hot washing, freezing, and ironing — combined with natural scent barriers like lavender, cedarwood, and eucalyptus essential oils. Stay consistent with prevention, and your wardrobe will remain moth-free.
