Although lower temperatures slow down or put a temporary halt to their activities, the clothes moths are usually not directly killed by them. If you have infested articles, you can often rid them of larvae and eggs by brushing and sunning them, or by having them dry cleaned. Vigorous brushing outdoors in bright sunshine, particularly of areas around cuffs, collars and other hidden places, if done periodically, can be effective in destroying clothes moths. If pillows, mattresses, or upholstered furnishings are infested, you may want to have them treated by a professional pest control firm, or dispose of the infested articles. Moth proofing after cleaning or sunning can help prevent future infestations.
Many commercial cleaners offer a moth proofing process.
Where persistent clothes moths infestations occur, you can treat infested articles and apply protective treatments to susceptible articles you already own with the moth proofing formulation of the insecticide tetramethrin. Purchase only products that are specifically labeled for treating woolens for clothes moths. Infested cabinets or closets should be vacuumed thoroughly to remove any wool lint from between boards or in corners. If necessary, a household preparation of an insecticide labeled for clothes moths can be used in infested areas. If you have a widespread infestation, it is advisable to enlist the services of a professional pest control firm.