Small holes in clothes are one of the most common signs that your garments might be infested by moths, especially if the clothing:
- Has multiple holes
- Has been stored away for some time
- Is made of organic materials such as wool, silk, feathers, fur, etc.
These holes are created by moth larvae, which feed on textiles from the moment they hatch until they pupate. During this period, the larvae need a lot of nourishment to transform into adult moths.
However, there are several other reasons why your clothes may develop holes, and this article outlines all the possible causes of this issue.
Is it Moths?
There are a number of signs that indicate moths are the cause of the holes in your clothing:
Moth Holes: If you have a moth infestation, you will never just find one hole, but always several holes in the affected garments (moths tend to “riddle” the clothes with holes). Moths also tend to attack specific types of clothes, while other garments stored in the same area might remain untouched.
Material: Moths primarily attack clothing made from materials of animal origin, such as wool, silk, feathers, fur, etc. However, moths who attack clothes and textiles can also target synthetic fabrics, cotton, linen, and similar materials, especially if the textiles are dirty.
Moth holes
Stored Clothing: Moths particularly attack clothes that are not frequently used and have been stored away in wardrobes, drawers, boxes, bags, and so on. It is not uncommon for garments stored in basements or attics to be affected. Discarded work clothes and laundry can also be ideal breeding grounds for moths, as they contain body oils that the moths use to absorb moisture.
Clothes moths and case-bearing clothes moths in particular make small holes in clothes and other textiles
If the holes are caused by clothes moths, they need to be controlled properly. For this, we recommend clothes moth traps and moth bags.
Other Signs of Moths
You can be sure that moths are the cause of the holes if you notice other signs of their presence, such as:
- Webbing or cocoons on or around the clothing
- Cocoons in other parts of the home (such as ceilings or walls)
- Droppings on the clothes (small whitish pellets)
- Moth larvae (small whitish or yellowish larvae with dark heads)
- Adult moths in the home (either flying or crawling around)
You may not always notice the adult moths, as some species are very light-shy and prefer crawling to flying. This is the case with the clothes moth and case-bearing clothes moth, which are not only the most common moth species found in homes but also the ones most likely to damage your clothes.
Moth eggs are almost impossible to spot as they are well hidden in folds of clothes, fur, etc. They are also difficult to see with the naked eye. Moth droppings, however, are often mistaken for moth eggs.
Which Moths Are Responsible?
If moths are causing the holes in your clothing, it will be one of the following three moth species:
- Clothes moth (highly likely)
- Case-bearing Clothes Moth (likely)
- Brown house moth (less likely)
Be aware that holes in woollen clothing may also be caused by carpet beetles, which are small insects that can live in homes.