Pest Be Gone: How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths
What are a few ways to get rid of clothes moths? These pests are annoying, but they are common, so there are a lot of resources out there to help you clear them from your storage space. They can pose a risk to garages, attics, basements, and storage units alike, and it is best to act quickly once you think they might have found a home in your space. Bowman Plains Self Storage has laid out steps for you, so you can get rid of clothes moths fast!
How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths for Good
Look for Signs of Clothes Moths
The adult casemaking and webbing clothes moths are small, presenting yellow or gray in color, but it’s the larvae that cause the most damage to your stored fabrics. These pests feed on animal fibers like wool or fur—although not exclusively. They measure about 1 centimeter when fully grown, so you may not even notice they are there until later down the line. Another common sign is the presence of larvae or silk cocoons, which are small, white, and cylindrical.
Clean & Clear Out
When you know for certain clothes moths are to blame, you can further assess the extent of the damage. You’ll want to sift through all of the fabrics in storage and wash any affected pieces as soon as possible before they become unwearable. However, if there is too much damage, you may want to consider discarding them altogether. After washing, you can stich up any holes.
To keep from re-infesting your storage space, make sure you also clean the area around your stored items. A storage space like a closet might have carpeting, which could also attract the clothes moths to feed. Take your time to vacuum and shampoo well, and dispose of the vacuum bag right away.
Pack Air-Tight
Cloths moth larvae can find their way into any container with small openings, like zippers and seams. That is why it is important to use air-tight containers for storing items. Garment bags work well to block out humidity, which discourages larvae from making their home in your space. Just tape up any extra seams and such to prevent holes from forming over time. The dark, in addition to humidity, attracts clothes moths to spaces like closets and storage units. When you are able to, create airflow in your storage space by moving items around and opening doors or windows if possible.
Find Secure Storage with Bowman Plains Self Storage in Frederick, MD
Where can you go for reliable self storage units in Frederick, MD? Bowman Plains Self Storage has everything you need on Navistar Drive for residential and commercial storage purposes. Choose between temperature-controlled storage units and drive-up storage units to hold your items, and check out our online storage calculator to get an estimate of what storage unit size you should rent. If you are looking for vehicle storage in Frederick, we have solutions for that as well. Reserve an outdoor parking space for your car, boat or RV. Feel free to call or stop by our office with any questions. Otherwise, you can rent your storage in just a few clicks through our online storage rentals today!
Katie Mest
About the Author: Katie Mest is an SEO Specialist at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. She specializes in writing about the self storage industry, including storage tips and helpful resources. Outside of work, Katie enjoys camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors with her newly adopted Greyhound rescue, Titan.
