What are moths and why do they target your clothes?
Moths feed on cashmere, wool, fur, and clothing made from animal hair. When the temperature drops, the molecules slow down and the lower the molecular activity, the slower the biodegradation process. So this fur cold storage is the way to protect your clothes without using mothballs.
The main culprit is the fur moth (Tinea pellionella). It lays its eggs in natural fibers such as wool, cashmere, silk, and animal hair. It is not the adult moths, but the larvae that feed on the fibers. It is a small, golden-colored moth but has darker wing tips. The larvae are white and feed on natural fibers.
The life cycle of a moth
The life cycle of a moth can vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and food availability.
From egg to adult moth
The full life cycle of a moth (from egg to adult moth) ranges from about 1 to 3 months under favorable conditions. However, in colder or less favorable conditions, this process can take considerably longer, sometimes up to 6 months or more. An adult moth lays its eggs, about 100 directly on natural fibers. The eggs hatch within 4-10 days, depending on temperature and humidity.
Larvae stage
Le stade larvaire est le plus long et peut durer de quelques semaines à plusieurs mois, généralement entre 1 et 3 mois. Pendant cette période, les larves se nourrissent intensément des fibres, ce qui endommage les vêtements.
Pupae stage
Lorsque les larves sont prêtes à se nymphoser, elles tissent un cocon de fil soyeux dans lequel elles se nymphosent. Ce stade dure généralement entre 8 et 10 jours, mais peut s'étendre à plusieurs semaines lorsque les températures sont plus froides.
Adult moth
Après la période de nymphose, le mite adulte émerge du cocon. Les mites adultes ne vivent généralement que 15 à 30 jours et se consacrent principalement à l'accouplement et à la ponte.
Factors affecting the moth life cycle
Temperature
Les températures chaudes accélèrent le cycle de vie, tandis que les températures froides le ralentissent.
Humidity
Une forte humidité peut favoriser la croissance des larves de mites, tandis qu'une faible humidité peut ralentir leur développement.
Availability of food
The more fiber available for larvae to feed on, the faster they can grow and pupate.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can better understand the life cycle of moths in your clothes and take more effective measures to control and prevent them.
The environment affects moths because the optimum conditions for moths are an environment with a relative humidity of about 70-80% and a temperature between 20-30°C. This ensures optimal growth and reproduction.
Recognizing signs of moths in your clothes
It is also important to recognize warning signs of moths in your clothes to minimize damage.
Signs of moths in clothing
Trous dans les vêtements : de petits trous irréguliers dans les vêtements, en particulier dans les endroits sombres et calmes de votre armoire, sont un signe évident que les larves de mites se nourrissent des fibres.
Larves et nymphes : Vous pouvez voir les larves elles-mêmes, qui sont de petits vers blancs ou crème. Ils mesurent généralement 1 à 2 cm de long. Les cocons ou les chrysalides sont des tubes ou des flocons soyeux attachés aux fibres.
Adult moths: The presence of adult moths in your home, especially near your wardrobe, is a warning sign. Clothes moths are small, about 1 cm long, and light yellow or beige in color.
Moth droppings: Small, dark grains that look like sand or fine dust on your clothes or in your closet could be droppings of moth larvae.
Silky webs: Moth larvae can leave silky threads or webs on or between garments.
Damaged seams or hems: Moth larvae tend to hide and feed in seams, hems, or folds of clothes, so check these areas carefully.
Avoid using mothballs and cedar wood with a cold fur storage
When storing your fur coat, it's essential to avoid using mothballs. Although these items are often used to repel moths, they can inadvertently increase humidity levels in your storage area, which can be harmful to your fur coat. Excess moisture can cause the natural oils in the fur to deteriorate and cause the underlying skin to rot, ultimately damaging the coat.
Mothballs and cedarwood also give off strong, distinctive odors that can be absorbed by the fur. The smell of these products is omnipresent and can be very difficult to remove from a fur coat. This lingering odor can detract from the luxurious experience of wearing your fur and may even discourage its use.
To protect your fur coat from moths without risking increased dampness or unpleasant odors, consider using alternative methods. For example, specially designed lavender sachets or fur storage bags can offer protection without the negative side effects associated with mothballs and cedarwood. The best way to store a fur coat is in a fur cold storage and by avoiding mothballs, you can maintain the pristine condition and natural scent of your fur coat.