Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Clothes moths

Clothes moths can enter your home on second-hand or gifted clothing. Clothes moths don’t like light and are typically found in dark, warm spaces. Corners, shelves and the backs of wardrobes are all common nesting spots for the insects.

Moth eggs are extremely small, most being under 1 mm long and barely visible. The eggs hatch into larvae, which look like little creamy coloured worms with a dark head.

When clothes moths first hatch, they’re only a millimetre long and they burrow into your clothes, so you don’t usually see them. It’s not until they get bigger that you see the evidence.

Moth eggs, larvae and adult moths can all be killed by a hot-water wash cycle or by dry cleaning. However, some moths may remain in your wardrobe and will need to be treated with an insecticide treatment.

Moths larvae can live in mattresses depending on what it is made of. If it contains wool then moth larvae can live in mattresses.

An insecticide spray will kill moths instantly.

You won’t likely see clothes moths, but if you find holes, you know you have a problem.

Thoroughly vacuuming, getting rid of old clothes, and an insecticide treatment will get rid of moths.

Moth larvae eat clothes and quite slowly – if the clothes are worn or clean there will not be a problem.