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Clothing moths #864749

Asked April 16, 2024, 1:50 PM EDT

I am having trouble with moths in two closets. I've tried hanging pheromone sticky tents, cedar cubes and hanging cedar hooks. Can you please help? Will I be emailed if this is answered or do I keep checking in the Ask Extension area?

Kent County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Sally,
You should receive an email at the address you entered for this question, each time there is a response to your query.
I am forwarding this to one of our entomologists.
Thank you.
Regards,
Laura S
MSU Ask Extension Administrator
Thank you for your question!   Laura S.     Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied April 16, 2024, 1:57 PM EDT
The pheromone traps will attract the moths, if present, but won't kill them. Since you have at least a few already in the closet, you're going to need to spend time thoroughly searching the area and other spaces around the home. I would recommend placing any susceptible clothing items in sealed totes or vacuum packs and then clean and vacuum more than usual over the coming weeks. Once you no longer see any clothes moths, it would be safe to return the clothes and other items to their former spots. If you find a garment that is affected by clothes moths, it should be laundered at a high temperature (but check label to see if it will be safe) to kill any larvae or eggs that could be on it.

The cedar blocks will be of limited value. For more information: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/clothes-moths-carpet-beetles-controlling-fabric-pests. I would advise against using chemicals inside the home. 
David Lowenstein Replied April 16, 2024, 2:21 PM EDT
Thank you Laura S.  I look forward to hearing from the entomologists.
 
Sally S.
On 04/16/2024 1:57 PM EDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
 
 
The Question Asker Replied April 16, 2024, 3:09 PM EDT
Hi David:
 
You mentioned "susceptible" clothing.  I used to think this meant cotton and wool, the natural fibers, but lately some people are saying they will eat synthetics too, "just about anything."  That means I will have to put everything in totes and vacuum packs, which will be impossible.  Can you give me a better idea of what you have found to be susceptble fibers?
 
Thanks,  Sally
On 04/16/2024 2:21 PM EDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
 
 
The Question Asker Replied April 16, 2024, 3:34 PM EDT
Wool and cashmere would be the most susceptible materials. If it's just a few of these items, I would still encourage you to protect them in some type of sealed storage as you confirm that the moths are no longer an issue. Putting all clothing in totes or storage is unnecessary. 
David Lowenstein Replied April 16, 2024, 4:32 PM EDT
Thank you David.
On 04/16/2024 4:32 PM EDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
 
 
The Question Asker Replied April 16, 2024, 10:19 PM EDT

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