If your closet is full of cashmere, wool, cotton, and other natural-fiber clothing, they are at risk of becoming a delicious meal for critters called closet moths. They’re nothing to take lightly; left unchecked, these destructors can go from gnawing holes in sweaters to destroying your bedding and furniture.

In order to salvage your belongings, you’ll need to know how to get rid of closet moths, pronto. Here’s how to get rid of them and make sure they don’t set up shop somewhere else.

Check for signs

Unlike pantry moths, which you can actually see zipping among bags of flour and boxes of cereal, closet moths don’t like light—or attention. It’s possible that you could have them and never see anything but the havoc they’ve wreaked. (Beneath collars and cuffs of clothing are a favorite spot.)

Relax, it’s not your cleaning that’s to blame. Fabric-devouring moths can fly in through an open door or window, or ride into your home on an article of clothing. It’s not the adult insects that cause the major damage. But when they lay eggs next to a good food source—like, say, your cozy cashmere hoodie—their larvae feast.

Have a vintage horsehair chair in your walk-in closet, or clothing accessorized with silk, felt, fur, or feathers? Chances are higher you’ll have to deal with these little critters, says Ron Harrison, an entomologist for Orkin, which provides pest control services around the world.

How to get rid of closet moths

“Empty everything out of your closet or drawers,” advises Leslie Reichert, author of “The Joy of Green Cleaning.” “Vacuum your entire closet, then wash every surface with a cloth dipped in white vinegar.”

Make sure the ceiling and floor are cleaned as well, Reichert adds. And don’t forget to go over baseboards, vents, and any crevices where hair and dust can accumulate.

Clean your clothes

Shaking or airing out clothing isn’t enough to remove moth larvae. Wash what you can, suggests Reichert. But since the moths have likely gone after some delicate clothes that are harder to care for, you probably need to plan on a big trip to the dry cleaners.

A cheaper alternative is freezing your clothes: Put them in a sealed bag and pop it in your freezer for three days.

Another option: Place clothing in a thick zip-close bag, then add a piece of dry ice. For a 30-gallon bag, you’ll need about a half-pound to 1-pound piece of dry ice. Remember not to touch the ice with your bare hands, and let air slowly out of the bag before you seal it so it doesn’t explode. Once the dry ice has evaporated, let your clothing air out for a few more days before putting them back in your closet.

Keep moths from coming back

Once your clothes are moth-free again, store them in plastic containers with tight-fitting lids or zip-close bags, Reichert says. “Try adding cotton balls treated with a few drops of lavender, cedar, or rosemary essential oils,” she suggests. (Moths hate their smell.)

No, mothballs aren’t necessary

True, mothballs may help solve your moth problem, but they come with some drawbacks. One, they’re toxic. Two, many people dislike the smell. Also, “they work best in very small areas,” explains Harrison. “You can put them in a small drawer, but don’t expect them to be effective in a large closet.”

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