skip to content

How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths | Swartz Creek Mini Storage

How to Rid Your Storage Space of Clothes Moths

What should I do if I find clothes moths in my storage unit? When individuals are cleaning their homes for spring cleaning, this is a common concern. Clothes moths are not a welcome surprise when you’re decluttering your belongings, but there are things you can do to correct the problem and avoid future harm. Keep an eye out for holes in clothing and materials that have been stored in a dark location. Follow Swartz Creek Mini Storage’s tips below on how to get rid of clothes moths and prevent them from finding their way into your storage unit.

Rent self storage units in Swartz Creek, MI, today!

How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths

How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths (in Home Storage & Storage Units)

Identify the Type of Moth

Do you actually have clothes moths? If you notice a moth in your home, do not worry right away. Many moths that might find their way into your home are after plants, not your clothing. Only two moth species are a threat to your clothes: the casemaking clothes moth and the webbing clothes moth—both a yellow or gray color, about 1 cm long. 

Next, look for holes. You will be able to identify a clothes moth by the web left behind on the material. The moths’ babies are actually the root of the problem, not the adult moths. They prefer dark, humid spaces and prefer to eat materials like wool, cashmere, and fur that come from animals. 

Clean Your Clothes and Space

OK, so you’ve identified the clothes moths. Now what? You should dispose of unusable materials, such as furniture or rugs that have been destroyed beyond the point of repair. With a wash, you can salvage materials with minor damage. Always check the tags on your clothes before attempting to wash them. It’s also a good idea to clean your storage area, whether it’s a closet, attic, basement, or container. Vacuum the region and discard the vacuum bag right away. If you’re working in a carpeted environment, it may be worthwhile to steam clean it for safekeeping purposes.

Learn to Prevent Future Clothes Moths

Now that you have gotten rid of the immediate issue, it is time to set up some precautions for the future. Pack your remaining clothing into sealed bins or bags. If you choose to use garment bags, tape up any potential hole spaces, like seams, for additional security and peace of mind. Another option is to move your storage space around frequently—reorganizing, swapping items in and out, etc. These moths dislike movement and light, so do your best to keep your storage unit from becoming a dark, moist environment. Visiting your storage unit often will give you the opportunity to open up your storage unit to allow for ventilation.  

Swartz Creek Mini Storage in Swartz Creek, MI

Now that you have a better understanding of how to get rid of clothes moths, let us help you find secure storage space for your clothing nearby. Swartz Creek Mini Storage is your first choice for affordable storage units in Swartz Creek, MI. Choose from a variety of storage amenities, including convenient drive-up storage units, parking spaces for personal vehicles, and more! Additionally, for your security, all storage units are housed within a gated and fenced perimeter, with 24-hour security cameras and secure keypad access. Feel secure storing your personal items at Swartz Creek Mini Storage this year.

Call or email our facility today, or stop by in person and chat with the team of storage experts at Swartz Creek Mini Storage! If you prefer to rent your storage unit online, our helpful resources can lead you to the best storage option to hold your load. Find the size you need with our storage calculator, and browse our available storage units online!

Rent Online Today - Swartz Creek Mini Storage in Swartz Creek MI


Tim author photo

Tim Glasow

About the Author: Tim is the SEO Manager at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. He is a self-storage industry specialist who has written about everything from storage advice and helpful resources to industry trends. In his free time, Tim enjoys sampling craft beer and exploring the local music scene.