Insect damage often becomes visible after garments are handled or cleaned, even though the damage actually occurred earlier during storage.
Many people are surprised to discover holes or weakened areas in their clothing—especially after garments have been stored or even after they are cleaned. In many cases, the cause is insect damage, which most commonly comes from clothes moths or carpet beetles.
Understanding how this damage occurs can help you protect your garments and prevent costly losses.
The damage most people call “moth holes” is actually caused by larvae (baby insects) rather than adult moths.
When moths or other fabric pests lay eggs on garments, the larvae hatch and begin feeding on the fibers. Natural fibers such as:
are especially attractive because they contain keratin, a protein that larvae feed on.
Other insects such as carpet beetles and silverfish may also attack textiles, especially if garments contain food stains, body oils, perspiration, or other organic residue.
These pests typically live and feed while garments are stored in closets, drawers, or storage containers where they are undisturbed.
Adult clothes moth compared to an object
An adult casemaking clothes moth
Opened case revealing larva
A carpet beetle lar
An adult carpet beetle
Casemaking clothes moth larva
Many customers assume holes appeared during the cleaning process. However, insect damage often develops slowly and may not be visible right away.
Industry experts note that holes may only become noticeable after garments are cleaned or handled, because weakened fibers finally separate.
In other words, the damage may already exist in the fabric before cleaning but becomes visible later.
Insect damage can appear in several different ways.
The most common sign is small, uneven holes in fabric, especially on wool garments.
These holes often appear in:
Damages show after cleaning on suits
Damages show after cleaning
Sometimes insects graze along the surface fibers, leaving areas that appear thin or worn before a hole actually forms.
Larvae often leave behind a gritty residue called frass, which is the by-product of digested fibers.
Some moth species create tiny silk tubes or webbing around the feeding area.
Silky webbing around the feeding area
Tiny silk tub around the feeding area
In early stages, insect feeding may appear as:
These are actually fibers being eaten away.
Insects are strongly attracted to clothing that has:
Even when these are invisible to the eye, they provide nutrients for larvae.
That’s why garments that appear “clean” but were worn may still attract insects during storage.
Unfortunately, once fibers have been eaten away, the damage is permanent.
However, depending on the garment and the size of the hole, there may be repair options:
These services are performed by specialized textile repair professionals.
No. Insect damage occurs before garments are brought in for cleaning, usually during storage in closets, drawers, or attics.
Dry cleaning cannot create this type of damage. If damage were caused by equipment or heat, the fabric would show:
Instead, insect damage shows irregular feeding patterns where fibers have been eaten away over time.
Professional cleaning can actually help prevent future infestations, because cleaning removes the stains and residues that attract insects.
Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to protect your clothing.
Always wash or dry clean garments before putting them away for the season.
Cleaning removes the oils and stains that attract insects.
Use:
to prevent insects from reaching clothing.
Vacuum closets and storage areas regularly to remove eggs and larvae.
Cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or herbal repellents can discourage moth activity.
Check stored garments periodically, especially wool items.
Movement and light help discourage insects from settling.
Insect damage is a common issue that affects clothing stored in homes around the world. Because the damage occurs gradually and often becomes visible later, it can sometimes be mistaken for damage caused by laundering or dry cleaning.
Understanding how insect damage occurs—and how to prevent it—can help protect your wardrobe and extend the life of your garments.
If you ever have questions about garment care or storage, a professional cleaner can help guide you.
Drycleaning & Laundry Institute – Cleaning and Storing Garments to Prevent Insect Damage
https://dlionline.org/cleaning-and-storing-garments-to-prevent-insect-damage/
North Carolina State University – Clothes Moths and Carpet Beetles
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/clothes-moths-carpet-beetles-controlling-fabric-pests
Natural History Museum – Clothes Moth Identification Guide
https://www.nhm.ac.uk/take-part/identify-nature/common-insect-pest-species-in-homes/clothes-moths-identification-guide.html
National Cleaners Association – Insect Damage and Textile Care
https://www.nca-i.com/news/13538424
