Stop moths damaging your clothes by adding 1 item to your wardrobe in May

Nobody relishes the thought of moths wreaking havoc on their wardrobe, but a straightforward item can help keep these pests at bay . While cloves and lavender have long been touted as deterrents, it turns out another item works far more effectively when it comes to preventing holes appearing in your clothing. Expert guidance has recently been released to assist people, as the pests can pose a significant problem in May. You may not realise it, but May is actually considered one of the peak months for moth activity in the UK , marking the true beginning of "moth season", so it pays to stay on your guard. This isn't the first useful tip to emerge recently, either. Previously, another hack was revealed that should help protect clothes from moth damage. If you're preparing to put your woollens into storage for winter, moth prevention is likely on your mind. However, according to pest control specialist Adam Juson, founder of Merlin Environmental , most of us are missing the point entirely. He said: "By the time you see a moth flying around your wardrobe, they've almost certainly already hatched, fed and moved on. The real culprits are the moth larvae." The lifecycle of clothes moths mirrors that of any other Lepidoptera — eggs, larvae, pupae, then adult moth. "If you've ever read The Very Hungry Caterpillar, you'll know that it's the larval stage that causes problems," added Adam. "After hatching, the larvae need food, and it just so happens to be natural fibres that they feed on. "The bad news is that because the larvae are so small, you'll probably have no idea that there is an infestation until they're well beyond the eating stage, and your clothes will already be damaged." Not every fabric is at risk from moths. Moth larvae tend to favour natural fibres such as wool, cashmere and silk, as these contain keratin — a protein also present in human hair and skin. Synthetic materials, however, don't contain keratin, which is why they're far less likely to suffer damage. That said, even synthetic blends can become targets if they've been well-worn, warned Adam. He added: "While larvae prefer natural materials, if you put away unwashed clothing, sweat, body oils and food stains can draw larvae in." The larvae aren't hunting for somewhere to shelter — they're after nutrients, and clothing can harbour far more than most of us care to acknowledge. "The real risk is storing clothes that aren't properly clean," he added. "Even light wear leaves enough organic matter to attract them. So, how you store your clothes matters." Most people are familiar with at least one traditional moth repellent. Lavender, cedar and cloves all serve a purpose, largely due to their powerful aromas — but scents diminish over time. And even the strongest odours won't tackle an existing infestation. So, what steps can you take? First and foremost, wash your clothes before packing them away for winter. This removes the residues that provide larvae with sustenance. The most effective way to safeguard your wardrobe is to wash or dry-clean garments before storing them, use airtight or properly sealed storage bags, keep items in clean, dry locations and avoid cramming too much in, which can trap moisture. It's straightforward, budget-friendly, and ensures that your beloved woolly jumpers won't disintegrate before next winter arrives. So, as it turns out, all you require is a storage bag to complete the task. The most effective way to protect your clothes is to keep them covered. It really is that simple.