Moths can wreak havoc in a wardrobe, especially when left undisturbed in the coats and knitwear section during the entire summer. That’s why their sudden appearance may come as no surprise to many Brits who are reaching for their autumn clothes.
Frederic de Ryckman de Betz, CEO of HOLD Self Storage, explained that the real pest control problem begins when we bring out clothes that have been in storage all season. He said: “Autumn is when we start layering up again, but it’s also when moths are most active. They’re drawn to the natural oils, sweat, and even tiny food particles left on clothes we’ve worn. People tend to have no idea they’re creating a moth paradise.”
And as it turns out, putting your clothes straight back into the wardrobe after wearing them is a major contributing factor.
“Even if you’ve only worn something for a few hours, it needs to air out properly,” Frederic advised. “Moths are attracted to the natural oils and scents we leave behind.”
But that’s not the only mistake, as overstuffed wardrobes with poor air circulation also create ideal conditions for moths to breed.
“Moths prefer undisturbed, dark environments where they can lay eggs undetected,” Frederic explained.
How to keep moths away from wardrobes
1. Always clean before re-hanging
Never put worn clothes straight back in the wardrobe, even if they seem clean.
“I always tell people to air clothes for at least 24 hours after wearing, then wash or dry clean before storage,” said Frederic. “It’s the single most effective way to prevent moth damage.”
2. Use breathable garment bags with natural deterrents
Opt for cotton or linen garment bags over plastic covers, which can trap moisture and create the perfect environment for moths.
You can also add some cedar blocks or lavender sachets can act as natural moth deterrents, as they dislike scents.
3. Rotate and air your clothes weekly
Frederic recommended shaking things up a bit, advising: “Take everything out of your wardrobe once a week and give it a good shake. Moths prefer clothes that haven’t been moved around.”
4. Vacuum storage areas regularly
Moths lay their eggs in hard-to-reach places like carpet fibres, floorboard gaps, and corners of your wardrobe, so vacuuming regularly will remove any eggs or larvae before they can mature into adult moths.
