Isolation and Containment

• One of the most common ways clothing moths infest items of clothing is through contact with articles of clothing that are already contaminated. If you know that some of your clothes have been contaminated by moths, isolate them from new purchases or dispose of them entirely to prevent further infestation. Plastic bags and containers can be used to protect woolen clothing items from infestation. Bags and containers will not stop the reproduction of moths already in the clothing, however, so occasionally check any stored items to make sure no moths are present.
  
  

Cedar Chests

• Cedar wood is an effective repellent for many types of insects including the clothing moth. The oil in cedar wood kills moth larvae and repels other insects. As the chest ages, however, the oil will dissipate and the chest will become less effective as a means of killing larvae. Cedar chests with tight-fitting lids, however, can still be effective in keeping moths out of the clothing stored within. If you use a cedar chest to store woolen fabrics, do not stuff the chest too full -- if there are any wool fibers exposed near the opening it may be enough to attract clothing moths.
  
  

Napthalene and Paradichlorobenzene

• Napthalene is the active ingredient in moth balls, though it also comes in flakes. It is used as a fumigant to kill clothing moths. Napthalene products, though effective, have the potential to leave a reddish-brown discoloration on fabrics in moist conditions. Paradichlorobenzene is sold in crystal form and is highly effective against all states of moth development. When scattered on layers of fabric, moth balls, flakes and crystals produce a high concentration of gas that is lethal to insects. Paracdichlorobenzene releases gas faster than napthalene but it reacts poorly with plastics.
  
  

Temperature and Humidity

• By exposing moth eggs and larvae to extreme cold or heat, you can kill them without the use of chemicals. Exposure to freezing temperatures over a period of 72 hours or the abrupt change from room temperature to freezing helps to kill existing insects and to slow down the development of eggs and larvae. If exposed for 30 minutes or more to temperatures above 110 degrees Fahrenheit, clothing moths will also die. Exposing infested clothing to sunlight or humidity levels under 20 percent is also an effective method of moth control.