If you’ve discovered mysterious pinholes in your favorite cashmere or that tell-tale silky webbing in the closet, you’re dealing with clothes moths. The good news: you can stop the damage quickly—and safely—without harsh chemicals. Below is a practical, science-backed game plan using Catcher Labs Clothing Moth Traps plus a few museum-grade prevention steps to keep your wardrobe pristine.
Why clothes moths are a problem (and what actually causes the damage)
Two tiny species—the webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the casemaking clothes moth (Tinea pellionella)—love natural, animal-based fibers (wool, cashmere, silk, feathers, leather). It’s the larvae, not the adult moths, that do the eating. They’re attracted to keratin in fibers and to traces of body oils, food, and perspiration left on fabrics.
How Catcher Labs traps help (and why they’re safe)
Catcher Labs Clothing Moth Traps use a species-specific pheromone to attract and catch adult males on a sticky surface. Removing males from the breeding cycle both reduces future egg-laying and gives you an early-warning monitor that moths are present. Because the lure is a pheromone (an attractant), not an insecticide, these traps are non-toxic and safe for use around kids and pets when used as directed.
Traps alone aren’t enough—pair them with proven fabric care
This is the part most people skip. Traps catch adults, but larvae on your clothing are what cause the holes. Combine trapping with one of these kill-steps for garments:
- Dry clean susceptible items (wool, silk, cashmere, suiting). Dry cleaning and hot laundering are among the most reliable ways to kill all life stages.
- Hot wash washable items at ≥120°F (≈49°C) for 20–30 minutes. Always check care labels first.
- Freeze delicate, non-washables: Seal items in bags and freeze at −20°F (−29°C) for ~72 hours (museum standard) to kill eggs and larvae; let items return to room temp in the sealed bag to avoid condensation. Some guidance suggests longer or repeated cycles if your freezer is warmer.
Then vacuum closets thoroughly (edges, shelves, baseboards) to remove shed fibers, eggs, and larvae. Clean fabrics are far less attractive to moths.
A simple, sustainable prevention routine
· Store only clean clothes. Body oils and food traces are moth magnets.
· Rotate and air knits periodically; brush woolens after wear. (Disturbing dark corners helps.)
· Use airtight storage for off-season natural fibers; soft garment bags for hanging pieces.
· Keep traps active year-round to monitor and break breeding cycles—replace every three months.
Quick start checklist
· Place 3 Catcher Labs traps per closet today.
· Dry clean / hot-wash or freeze your most vulnerable pieces (wool, cashmere, silk).
· Vacuum closets, shelves, and baseboards thoroughly.
· Replace traps every 3 months to keep monitoring tight.
With this approach, you’ll stop active damage fast and dramatically reduce the odds of a repeat infestation—without introducing harsh chemicals into your home.
