Moths can be a pain. These bizarre, fuzzy little butterflies find your wardrobe to be a most appetizing buffet. So, how can you protect your favorite pink sweater from becoming a moth’s juicy steak? The pest control Des Moines experts are happy to help you out!

Identify Your Moth
Not all moths eat clothes; some of them enjoy your morning cereal more than you do. You can rule out all moths longer than 1 cm as the fiends eating your clothing. There are only two types of moth that will damage your clothing: the Casemaking Clothes moth and the Webbing Clothes moth. They come in a yellow or grayish color.

I’ve Got the Culprit, What Now?
Clapping your hands on a flying moth won’t solve your problem. You’ll need to check your clothes for holes and eggs. Chances are, they may have laid their eggs in them, and it’s the larvae which do the most damage, as they feed on your garments to grow. They love dirty clothing! A good indicator if a moth has been nibbling on your clothing is a snot-like residue that they leave behind around the damage.

Handling The Aftermath
Not all clothes can be saved when moths invade. It may be best to throw out items that are beyond repair. Dry cleaning the clothes in your closet is the best way to destroy moth larvae. This should be extended to clothes around the targeted ones, too. Hot water works as well (120℉ and above). Tackle your closet with a vacuum cleaner and thoroughly give the place a clean in case of sneaky larvae. Whatever you can’t wash, you might be able to put in the freezer, or heat up in the oven at a safe temperature to kill off the more stubborn ones — however, this is not a guaranteed fix.

Foil Future Fabric Feasting
You’ll likely remember to clean your closet more frequently after mourning your favorite dress, but be sure to leave no corner unseen. If you have clothing that you desperately want to stay safe — particularly clothing that is made from animal products — opt to seal them away in plastic bags. Some people use fragrances such as lavender, mint, and cedar to deter and overwhelm the moths. They’ve been reported to repel moths from getting near clothing surrounded by the smell.

If you’ve tried it all, or you would prefer a professional came by and ensured protection of your belongings, you could benefit from calling the pest control Des Moines experts at Pro-Staff. We know all about moths and how to take your closet off the menu. Call us anytime at (515) 279-7378.