Pestpatrol’s guidance for identifying moth issues before your entire wardrobe disappears

Imagine you’re pulling on your favorite jumper and there’s a pin-head sized hole in your knit.

Maybe it just got worn down, you tell yourself.

No biggie, right?

But here’s the uncomfortable reality: small holes in your clothes are rarely harmless.
In fact, they are typically the first signs that something much worse is going on – something with wings, an affinity for wool, that has an incredible ability to remain out of sight until it is too late.

At Pestpatrol, we have assisted countless households across London with this very issue.

What may seem like a minor bugbear is almost always a warning sign of an unseen infestation that, if allowed to continue, can turn your wardrobe into Swiss cheese.

This write-up is not trying to panic, but rather give you the knowledge you need to act.
If you value your clothes, your home, or your sanity, please read on.

The Real Culprit: It’s Not Always The Washing Machine

When people find holes in their clothes, the usual culprits come up: a snag on the washing machine drum, a faulty zip, possibly moths (surely not in my house).

The truth is, clothes moths are most definitely thriving quietly in clean homes across London – especially where natural fibres meet warm, dark spaces.

The first thing to note is that the common clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) does not eat your clothes as such.

It’s the larvae – which are small, usually hard to see grubs – that do the harm.

They consume keratin, which is a protein in natural fabrics such as wool, cashmere, silk, even feathers.

Items made of blended fabric?
They don’t care. They just eat the natural material around the synthetic to get to that.

What Do Actual Moth Holes Look Like?

It’s not always the dramatic damage that is depicted in cartoons such as a whole jumpers reduced to a tangle of thread.

In real life, moth damage can be very subtle at first:

• Tiny irregular holes – commonly only a few millimetres wide
• Thinning patches where the weave is coming undone
• Light powdery residue on or around the fabric
• Silken trails or small cocoons resembling rice tucked away in seams or folds

One small hole can be the sign of dozens more to come, and the longer you put it off, the deeper the infestation will dig in.

Why you shouldn’t just ignore it

Here is why dismissing that hole as “just one jumper” could be risky:

They Don’t Only Eat Clothes

Moth larvae are not picky eaters.
Curtains, upholstered furniture, rugs, even pet bedding, all are all on the menu.
If it has animal-based fibres, it’s a feast for them.

They Reproduce Quickly

One female clothes moth can lay as many as 50 eggs in her lifetime.

The eggs hatch within days, the larvae eat constantly for weeks.

If conditions are optimal (think: undisturbed clothing from wardrobes, dark corners, soft materials), you might go from one or two holes to an entire drawer full in no time.

Moth Damage is Costly

Some of the worst cases we’ve seen at Pestpatrol involved vintage coats that are irreplaceable, designer scarves, heirloom blankets – all shredded beyond repair.

Replacing your wardrobe isn’t just a consequence of spending a lot of money – it’s heartbreaking.

They’re Hard to Spot

Adult clothes moths are small, beige, avoid the light and you may never see them at all.

And by the time you can see the damage, often the larvae have been feeding for weeks.

So What Should You do?

It’s simple, the most important thing is:

do not ignore the signs.

A small hole, strange fibres, musty smell – all early warnings.

Here are our suggestions:

Check Your Wardrobe

• Look particularly at knitwear, coats and items with natural materials.
• Look at seams, under arms and folds – these are hidden areas that moths love.

Clean Clean Clean

• Wash or dry clean any infested items.
• Hoover the wardrobe, especially cracks, corners and under shelves.

Freeze it or Heat it

If you are not sure about an item, place into a sealed plastic bag and put it in your freezer for 72 hours.

Extreme cold kills larvae and eggs.

Similarly heat can work (above 50C) but first check it won’t damage the item.

Store Smarter

• Use breathable garment bags – not plastic, as they trap moisture
• Store your off-season clothing in sealed containers
• Moths dislike movement and light, so keep things rotated and worn.

Skip The Lavender Myth

Yes , lavender smells nice.
No, it doesn’t prevent or stop an active moth infestation.

It might deter moths slightly, but it won’t kill them, or their larvae.

Trust us. We have seen entire wardrobes destroyed, and each hanger stuffed with lavender sachets.

When DIY is Not Enough

If you’ve noticed several items affected, or if it keeps coming back, it might be time to call in the professionals.

That is where Pestpatrol can help.

We don’t just treat, we find the source of the issue.

Our pest control team covers all of London and is experienced and discreet.

Whether you are located in a Notting Hill flat or a Hampstead townhouse, we can provide a moth control plan that suits your needs.

Prevention: Your Best Defence

After a treatment, the next important step is prevention to keep moths and other pests from re-entering your home in the future.

Prevention is always easier (and cheaper) than needing to have a removal.

• Set up moth traps to monitor the activity
• Make sure you airing your wardrobe, and rotating your clothes.
• Invest in pest-safe protective storage.

Think of it as home insurance for your wardrobe.

Still Not Sure It’s Moths?

Below is a quick checklist.

Answering yes to two or more questions means you likely have moths.

• Small holes in woolrens or silks?
• No sign of fraying or pulling (which might occur with you simply wearing the item)?
• Can’t see any insects, but there is damage?
• Item in storage is affected more than the items you wear everyday?
• Powdery residue, or thread-like trails in the drawer(s)?

Final Word: Small Hole, Big Problem

Let’s be clear – that little hole you see in your cashmere jumper might seem harmless, but it could be the main event of a very costly nightmare.

When it comes to moth damage-that never fixes itself, and the longer you leave it, the more damage can occur.

If you feel that moths are active – even if still only have that ‘moth nibble’ – don’t wait to act.
Contact Pestpatrol, and put a stop to the damage before it duplicates!
I promise your wardrobe will thank you.

Need Help with Moths?

Look no further!
Go to our moth control page, and read how Pestpatrol can help protect your house – from these sneaky insects and reacquaint your wardrobe with order again.