There’s nothing quite like building a beautiful yarn stash or finishing a handmade jumper, blanket or shawl. Whether you’ve spent months choosing the perfect skeins or countless evenings creating something special, you want to know it will stay in great condition for years to come.
Unfortunately, clothes moths can be every yarn lover’s nightmare. Those tiny holes that seem to appear out of nowhere are often the work of moth larvae, and they have a particular fondness for many of the natural fibres we love to knit and crochet with.
The good news is that moth damage is often preventable. With a few simple storage habits and regular checks, you can help protect both your yarn stash and your finished projects. In this guide, we’ll explain why moths are attracted to certain fibres, how to spot the warning signs, and what to do if you discover an infestation.
Do moths eat yarn?
Not exactly. The adult moths you might spot fluttering around your home don’t actually eat your yarn. It’s their larvae that cause the damage.
After the eggs hatch, the tiny caterpillar-like larvae feed on fibres containing keratin, a natural protein found in animal fibres. This is why some yarns are much more vulnerable than others.
Which fibres are most at risk?
Clothes moth larvae are most attracted to natural animal fibres, including wool, merino wool, cashmere, mohair, alpaca, yak and silk. Yarn blends containing these fibres can also be affected.
Plant fibres such as cotton, linen and bamboo don’t contain keratin, making them much less appealing to moths. Even so, it’s still worth storing them carefully if they’re kept alongside natural animal fibre yarns.
How can you tell if you have moths?
Moths often go unnoticed at first because they prefer dark, quiet places where yarn and clothing are left undisturbed.
You might notice tiny holes in knitted or crocheted items, silky webbing, small cream-coloured larvae or little cocoons hidden in folds of fabric or tucked into storage boxes. Sometimes the first clue is simply seeing a few small moths near your wardrobe or yarn stash.
Finding one moth doesn’t automatically mean you have an infestation, but it’s always worth taking a closer look.
How to prevent moths?
The easiest way to deal with moths is to stop them settling in the first place. A few simple habits can make a huge difference.
Store your yarn carefully
Natural fibre yarn is best stored somewhere clean, dry and protected. Plastic storage boxes with well-fitting lids are an excellent choice because they help keep out dust, moisture and pests while making it easy to organise your stash. Vacuum storage bags can also work well for long-term storage of seasonal yarn or finished garments.
If you enjoy displaying your yarn in baskets or on shelves, consider keeping only the yarn you’re currently using out on display and storing the rest safely away.
Wash garments before storing them
Moth larvae are attracted not only to natural fibres but also to traces of body oils, food stains and perspiration. Before packing away handmade garments at the end of winter, wash them according to their care instructions and make sure they’re completely dry before storing them.
Check your stash regularly
As tempting as it is to admire your yarn collection from afar, it’s worth giving it a little attention every few months. Take your yarn out, move it around, and have a quick look for any signs of damage. Moths prefer quiet, undisturbed places, so simply checking your stash regularly can help discourage them while allowing you to catch any problems early.
Use natural moth deterrents
Cedar has been used for generations as a natural way to help discourage clothes moths. Placing cedar balls among your yarn or finished projects can make storage areas less inviting while leaving behind a fresh, woody scent. If you enjoy floral fragrances, lavender-scented cedar balls offer the same natural protection with an added hint of lavender.
It’s worth remembering that cedar and lavender work best as preventative measures. They help deter moths from settling, but they won’t eliminate eggs or larvae if an infestation is already present.
Keep storage areas clean
Wardrobes, cupboards and under-bed storage are all favourite hiding places for moths. Vacuum these areas regularly, paying particular attention to corners, skirting boards and behind furniture where dust, pet hair and fibres can collect. Keeping storage spaces clean removes places where moths are more likely to lay eggs.
What should you do if you find moths?
Discovering moths can feel upsetting, especially if they’ve damaged something you’ve made yourself. The important thing is not to panic.
Start by checking every nearby item made from natural fibres, even if only one appears to be affected. Separate anything showing signs of damage so larvae can’t spread to the rest of your stash.
Next, empty the storage area completely and vacuum every corner before wiping down shelves and drawers. Remember to empty your vacuum afterwards.
Many yarns and garments can be treated by sealing them in a bag and placing them in the freezer for at least 72 hours, which helps destroy eggs and larvae. Always check the care instructions first, particularly for delicate luxury fibres.
Once everything is clean and dry, return your yarn to storage with fresh cedar balls or lavender-scented cedar balls to help reduce the chance of moths returning.
Frequently asked questions
Can moths damage acrylic yarn?
Clothes moth larvae strongly prefer animal fibres because they contain keratin. Pure acrylic yarn isn’t usually a food source, although it’s still sensible to store it carefully alongside the rest of your stash.
Do moths eat cotton?
Cotton isn’t a preferred food source for clothes moths because it’s a plant fibre rather than an animal fibre. However, cotton projects stored with other natural fibres should still be checked carefully.
How often should I replace cedar balls?
Over time, cedar naturally loses some of its scent. Many cedar balls can be lightly sanded to refresh the surface and release more of their natural oils. If you’re using lavender-scented cedar balls, you can also refresh the fragrance with a few drops of lavender essential oil.
Should I worry if I see one moth?
Not necessarily. One moth doesn’t always mean you have an infestation, but it is a good reminder to inspect your yarn and natural fibre garments, especially if they’ve been stored away for a while.
A little prevention goes a long way
Building a yarn stash takes time, and every handmade project represents hours of creativity, patience and care. Looking after those treasures doesn’t need to be complicated.
By storing your yarn well, checking it regularly and using simple natural deterrents like cedar, you can help keep your favourite fibres safe for years to come.
If you have any questions about storing natural fibre yarn or choosing the best moth protection for your stash, we’d be delighted to help.