Clothe moths are a common problem for people with clothes they want to keep in good condition. There are many different clothes moths, but the most common ones eat polyester.
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What Types of Clothes Moths Eat Polyester?
Polyester fabric. Credit: canva
There are a few types of clothes moths that can eat polyester. The most common type is the cottony maple tussock moth.
This moth prefers to eat natural fibers such as cotton, wool, and silk, but it will also eat synthetic fibers such as polyester. Polyester is a popular material used in clothing because it is solid, durable, and susceptible to insect damage.
The other one that can eat polyester is the casemated cloth and silk moth. This moth prefers to feed on animal hair and wool but will also consume polyester fabrics if available.
Both of these moths produce webbing that can damage polyester fabric surfaces.
How Do Moths Get into My Clothes?
Clothing moth. Credit: canva
There are two ways they get into your clothes: getting caught in the fabric while flying or getting stuck in tiny crevices.
The first way is more common, as they fly around more. If you have a lot of polyester clothing, though, it’s likely that you’ll have a problem with this type of moth.
Polyester is a synthetic fiber that’s very soft and pliable, making it perfect for the moths’ feeding habits. These creatures feed on the proteins and other nutrients found in animal skin and hair, so if you have a lot of polyester clothing, you’re likely to see them congregate around these areas.
The second way they can get into your clothes is through tiny holes and crevices. These moths are small, so they can easily squeeze through any opening. They often prefer to lay their eggs in these areas, hatching them into larvae that feed on the fabric.
What Can I Do to Prevent Moths from Eating My Clothes?
There are a few things that you can do to help prevent them from eating your clothes.
First, ensure that your clothes are stored in a cool, dry place.
Next, use mothproofing products on your clothing to help deter the moths from eating them.
Finally, store your clothes inaccessible to the moths so they cannot spread their infestation.
FAQs
What Time of Day Do Moths Come Out?
Moths come out at night when the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They will be most active during the fall months.
What Temperature Kills Clothes Moths?
To eliminate infestations without chemicals, cook or freeze the larvae and eggs.
To kill them and their eggs by heat, put them in an oven or food dryer at a temperature above 120°F (50°C) for at least 30 min.
What Fabrics Do Clothes Moths Eat?
Clothing moths eat all kinds of fabrics, including cotton, silk, wool, linen, rayon, polyester, nylon, acrylics, and blends of these materials. They do not eat synthetics such as spandex or lycra.
What are Clothes Moths Attracted to?
Moths are particularly attracted to dark and warm environments and dirty clothes.
Clothing left wet from human sweat provides the moisture they need. These moths are attracted to common things in our closets and home, including cotton.
How Long Do Clothes Moths Live?
Clothing moths live anywhere from 2-6 weeks, depending on the fabric they feed on. They usually start feeding on clothing after being exposed to light for several hours.
The best way to prevent them from eating your clothes is to hang your clothes up inside out.
How Does Vinegar Get Rid of Moths?
Vinegar can be used for everything. And when it comes time to clean out your closet or storage bin to repel moths (or any insect), it works just fine.
Vinegar has an acrid odor which will repel moths from the area and cleanse the area from any dirt, dust, egg, and larvae.
How Do I Get Rid of Moths in My Closet?
Mothballs work very well at killing moths because they contain pyrethrin insecticide. The best way to use mothballs is to place them inside drawers and closets where moths tend to congregate.
Does Lavender Repel Moths?
Yes! Lavender oil has been proven effective at repelling moths. Lavender smells great but is highly repellent to moths and other insects.
It works best when applied directly to the skin, but it will work well when used in an air freshener or room spray.
Can You See Moth Eggs on Clothes?
No, but you can see the little white spots that look like tiny dots if you hold the garment to a light source.
You can also check the inside of your laundry basket or hamper for signs of moths. If you find anything suspicious, take the items to a dry cleaner or laundromat immediately.
Can Clothes Moths Eat Through Plastic?
Yes, they can eat through some types of plastic. However, this does not often happen since the process takes so long.
Most people don’t notice any damage until the moth starts laying its eggs. Then, the eggs hatch into larvae and eat away at the material.
