How to Get Rid of Moths: Complete Guide for Homeowners

Last updated: March 5, 2026

By James — 25-year pest control industry veteran

When homeowners say they have a "moth problem," they are dealing with one of two very different pests: clothes moths that damage garments and textiles, or pantry moths that infest stored food. These two types of moths require completely different treatment approaches. This guide covers how to identify which moth you have, eliminate the infestation, and prevent them from coming back.

Clothes Moths vs. Pantry Moths

Getting Rid of Clothes Moths

Clothes moth larvae, not the adults, cause all the damage. They feed on natural animal fibers containing keratin: wool, silk, cashmere, fur, feathers, and leather. They do not eat cotton, polyester, or other synthetic materials.

Step 1: Inspect and identify damaged items

Check all wool, silk, and cashmere garments for irregular holes, thinning fabric, or silken tubes (webbing that larvae spin for protection). Look in the back of closets, in stored clothing bins, and under furniture where lint and pet hair accumulate. Clothes moths prefer dark, undisturbed areas.

Step 2: Treat affected garments

• Wash in hot water. Machine-wash affected items in hot water (at least 120°F) and dry on high heat. This kills larvae and eggs.
• Dry clean. For items labeled "dry clean only," professional dry cleaning kills all life stages.
• Freeze. Items that cannot be washed or dry cleaned can be placed in a chest freezer at 0°F for at least 72 hours. Seal items in plastic bags before freezing.

Step 3: Deep clean closets

Vacuum all closet surfaces thoroughly: shelves, corners, baseboards, carpet edges, and behind hanging clothes. Pay special attention to areas where lint, dust, and pet hair accumulate, as these provide additional food for larvae. Wipe shelves with soapy water or a vinegar solution.

Step 4: Monitor with pheromone traps

Clothes moth pheromone traps attract and catch male moths, helping you monitor whether the infestation is under control. Place one or two traps per closet. If traps continue catching moths after several weeks of cleaning, the source has not been fully eliminated.

Step 5: Prevent reinfestation

• Store off-season woolens in airtight garment bags or sealed plastic bins
• Clean garments before storing (moths are attracted to food stains and perspiration)
• Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets in closets as repellents
• Vacuum closets regularly, especially corners and carpet edges

Clothes moths share similar habits with carpet beetles, another common fabric pest. If you are finding damage to textiles, you may have either or both pests.

Getting Rid of Pantry Moths

Indian meal moths (the most common pantry moth) lay eggs in stored food products. Larvae spin webbing as they feed, which is often the first visible sign of infestation.

Step 1: Find and discard infested food

Check every dry food product in your pantry and cabinets. Pantry moths infest:

• Flour, baking mixes, and cornmeal
• Rice, pasta, and grains
• Cereal and oatmeal
• Nuts and dried fruit
• Pet food and birdseed
• Spices (especially paprika and red pepper)
• Chocolate and candy

Look for webbing, small worms (larvae are cream-colored with dark heads, about 1/2 inch long), or clumping in food products. When in doubt, throw it out. Infested food should be sealed in a bag and placed in an outdoor trash bin.

Step 2: Clean shelves thoroughly

Remove all food from cabinets and clean every shelf, corner, and crevice with hot soapy water or a vinegar solution. Pay attention to shelf liner edges, cabinet hinges, and corners where larvae may have pupated. Vacuum crevices before wiping down.

Step 3: Store food properly

Transfer all dry goods into airtight containers made of glass or hard plastic. Pantry moths can chew through paper, cardboard, and thin plastic bags. Mason jars, glass canisters, and snap-lid plastic containers are effective barriers.

Step 4: Monitor with pheromone traps

Pantry moth pheromone traps (different from clothes moth traps) catch male moths and help confirm the infestation is resolved. Place one or two traps in the pantry area. Continue monitoring for 4 to 6 weeks, as the full life cycle may take several weeks to complete.

When to Call a Professional

Most moth infestations can be resolved with thorough DIY cleaning. Professional treatment is worth considering for:

• Severe clothes moth infestations across multiple rooms or closets
• Damage to valuable textiles (antique rugs, fur coats, wool collections)
• Recurring infestations that return after DIY treatment
• Large homes where finding the source is difficult
• Commercial settings (clothing stores, museums, fabric warehouses)

Professional moth treatment typically costs $100 to $300 for residential applications. For severe infestations, fumigation may be recommended at higher cost. For general pricing, see our pest control cost guide. If you are unsure whether you need professional help, see our guide on when to call an exterminator.

Frequently Asked Questions