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Why Moth Eat Clothes?

Marcus Vance • • 7 min read
Why Moth Eat Clothes?

The larvae need sustenance to enable them to grow and pupate into adult clothes moths

clothes moths
Like most moths, clothes and carpet moths have a distinct life cycle. There are four stages of the moth life cycle: eggs, larvae, pupa/cocoon, and adult. Each stage represents a significant step in a moth's lifespan. Knowing the life of a moth is important when trying to handle an infestation, too.
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. Clothes moths have evolved to get their sustenance from Keratin - this is the protein in animal-based fabrics (cashmere, wool, silk, feathers, fur mainly).

How do I stop moths eating my clothes?

Here are 5 things you can do to keep these winged pests away:
  1. Wash garments thoroughly before you put them away. Clothes moths are attracted to perspiration and food stains.
  2. Keep your wardrobe well ventilated. ...
  3. Store away clothes carefully. ...
  4. Use a natural moth repellent. ...
  5. Spritz carpets with lavender.

Do moths really eat clothes?

Most moths in the home are actually feeding on plants. Anything longer than 1 cm is likely not eating your clothing. Only two moth species will damage your clothes: The casemaking clothes moth (Tinea pellionella) and the webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) most commonly infest clothing (PDF).

Marcus Vance
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Marcus Vance

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.