Clothes moths: what they are, what they attack, and how to defend against them

Anyone who loves wool and works with natural yarns will sooner or later encounter an invisible but formidable enemy: moths. These small, seemingly harmless insects can cause even severe damage to sweaters, scarves, skeins, and valuable garments. In this article, we discover what they attack, how they act, and, above all, how to protect your yarns and wool garments.

Moths do not attack all fabrics indiscriminately. They are attracted almost exclusively to animal fibers, namely:

• Wool (sheep or goat)

• Cashmere

• Alpaca

• Camel

• Mohair

• Raw silk

Neither plant fibers (cotton, linen, hemp) nor synthetic fibers (acrylic, polyester, nylon) are attacked, but be careful: if mixed with wool or dirty, they can still become a refuge for larvae.

❗ Warning: moths not only eat finished garments but also skeins of natural yarn, especially if stored poorly or in poorly ventilated environments.

 It is the larvae that cause damage. Here's what happens:

1. The adult moth (small straw-colored butterfly) lays its eggs on natural fabrics and yarns.

2. The eggs hatch, and voracious larvae emerge, feeding on keratin, a protein found in wool and animal hair.

3. The larvae tunnel through the wool, creating holes, broken threads, and sometimes irreversible damage.

4. Once grown, they become new adult moths, and the cycle begins again.

All of this happens silently, often in dark, warm, and humid environments: wardrobes, closed boxes, drawers, attics.

Prevention is the most effective remedy. Here are some good practices to protect wool and yarns:

✅ Clean before storing

• Wash garments before storing them, even if they seem clean: sweat, skin, perfumes attract moths.

• Skeins should also be kept dry and clean, never damp or exposed to dust.

✅ Smart storage

• Use vacuum bags, airtight containers, or tightly sealed cotton bags.

• Insert bay leaves, lavender, cloves, cedar, or other natural repellents.

• Periodically air out wardrobes and boxes.

✅ Regular inspections

• Occasionally check stored garments and yarns.

• Expose yarns to sunlight (larvae hate light).

🛡️ What to do if you have moths

If you find holes in sweaters or signs of larvae in skeins, act immediately:

🔹 Wash everything hot

If possible, wash garments at 60°C or take them to a laundry. Larvae die with heat.

🔹 Clean wardrobes

Use a vacuum cleaner and white vinegar in corners, especially in drawers and wooden furniture.

🔹 Use natural or chemical remedies

You can use natural repellents (lavender or cedar essential oil) or specific moth repellents if the infestation is severe.

If you use natural yarns such as wool or cashmere, especially if they are precious or expensive, store them carefully. Avoid leaving them exposed to the air for long periods, especially in spring/summer, and never store used yarns without washing or checking them. I use ORPHEA in drawers, wardrobes, and on shelves; they are excellent, fragrant, and work perfectly (read the instructions on the packaging carefully; you can find them in supermarkets or markets, and also online).

Wool moths are a serious problem, but manageable. With a little care in cleaning, storage, and prevention, you can protect your favorite garments and skeins, and make them last for years.

Have you ever had problems with moths? Tell us in the comments or write to us for advice on how to treat your natural yarns.