Clothes moths feel particularly comfortable on wool sweaters. To avoid an infestation, you should store your winter wardrobe properly.
When spring comes, it's time to swap your thick winter sweaters for airy clothes. But before you stow away your winter clothing for next season, you should make sure that your clothes are not at risk of falling victim to clothes moths.
The clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) feeds on materials containing keratin such as wool, hair or feathers, as the
Federal Environment Agency
explains. The females feel particularly comfortable in wardrobes, where they lay their eggs on wool, fur or other clothing. So how do you get your beloved winter clothing through the summer without getting a nasty surprise next winter?
How to protect your sweaters from moth infestation: Clean, store, protect
Before storing your winter clothing, it is crucial that each item is cleaned. Moths are attracted to sweat, oils and food residue that can be found on untreated clothing. Professional cleaning or a thorough home wash is essential to ensure your clothing is free of moth attractants. Attention: Wool sweaters must be washed as gently as possible – at a maximum of 30 degrees. Cold washing is better. If you want to be on the safe side, clean the wool sweaters by hand.
After the clothes are dry, they should be packed airtight. Garment bags, lockable boxes or vacuum bags made of thick plastic are suitable for this. The sweaters should also be protected from light and moisture. A dark, dry place such as a well-locked cupboard is ideal for this.
Natural moth repellents can protect against pest infestation. According to
the Federal Environment Agency,
scents such as laurel, lavender, cloves or cedar wood deter moths and beetles.
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Winter sweaters eaten away: What helps with clothes moths?
If it is already too late to take these precautions, you can do the following:
First you have to detect the pests. Use sticky traps to find the location of the infestation. Infected textiles should be disposed of in plastic bags with household waste.
Clean the affected area thoroughly. Vacuum the area, paying particular attention to joints, cracks and baseboards. Home remedies such as vinegar cleaner can help clean the infested area.
Even seemingly intact textiles in the area surrounding the infestation should be washed thoroughly. As
BR.de
explains, both heat and cold are suitable as aids. If possible, wash your clothes above 50 degrees. If they are delicate wool sweaters, put them in the freezer to kill the crawlers.