Wondercide provides tips to save sweaters from the destruction that moths can bring.

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- As temperatures drop and wardrobes transition, the return of sweater season brings both comfort and responsibility. Sweaters, whether made of wool, cashmere, or cotton blends, are more than seasonal staples—they're investments that require care and consideration. Yet, lurking in closets across the country, an often-overlooked threat continues to wreak havoc: moths. These tiny invaders can turn cherished garments into threadbare remnants, leaving behind irreparable damage.

The issue is far from trivial. 92 million tons of textile waste are generated each year globally, and moths are part of the problem, causing $1 billion in damage annually in the United States. Much of this is preventable. Protecting the wardrobe is about more than preserving the favorite winter essentials—it's a matter of sustainability and reclaiming control over the unseen enemies in the closet. With proactive care and effective solutions, sweater season can remain as cozy and carefree as it's meant to be.

The hidden link between sweater care and moth infestations.
Sweaters are uniquely vulnerable to clothes moths due to the moths' biological reliance on keratin. Found in wool, cashmere, and similar materials, keratin is broken down by enzymes in the larvae's digestive system, providing essential nutrients for their development. Clothes moths, however, don't rely solely on the fibers themselves. The conditions of the home environment—dark, undisturbed spaces like closets—offer an ideal habitat for egg-laying and larval growth. Elevated humidity and stagnant air further support their lifecycle, enabling rapid reproduction and prolonged infestations.

The reproductive strategy of clothes moths compounds their threat. Females strategically lay eggs directly on keratin-rich fabrics, ensuring newly hatched larvae have immediate access to their food source. Larvae cause damage silently, consuming fibers methodically over weeks or months. This process often leaves garments irreparably harmed before the infestation is noticed. Understanding the science behind these pests' survival and reproduction underscores the importance of proactive measures, including proper cleaning, storage, and environmental controls to protect vulnerable textiles.

The art and science of keeping sweaters pristine.
Laundry is a constant task in most households, but caring for sweaters requires a level of attention that sets it apart. Protecting delicate fibers while keeping moths at bay can feel like a balancing act. Labels provide some guidance: When machine washing is possible, a cold, delicate cycle with the sweater placed in a mesh laundry bag is widely recommended. Fabric softeners, while seemingly helpful, are often discouraged due to their tendency to degrade fibers over time. For more delicate garments or when instructions are unclear, hand washing in cold water with a mild detergent frequently becomes the safest option. Careful rinsing and drying flat on a towel help avoid misshapen or damaged sweaters. Additionally, a small amount of hair conditioner in the wash has been known to enhance softness, offering a simple yet effective care tip.

The best practices for storing sweaters.
Sweater storage often demands careful attention, especially when closet space is at a premium. Folding tends to be the preferred method for maintaining the integrity of these delicate garments, as hanging can lead to stretching and distortion of their shape. Preserving a sweater's structure is key, given that most fabrics are not designed to accommodate prolonged tension or changes in form.

When the season shifts and sweaters are ready to be tucked away, a methodical approach can make all the difference. Hand washing, air drying, and gentle ironing prepare them for longer-term storage. Folding them and placing them in breathable storage bags helps protect against moisture and pests, particularly moths. This practice not only safeguards sweaters during their spring and summer hibernation but also serves as a reliable year-round solution for maintaining their quality.

A routine check for little holes in a sweater will help keep track of moth activity. The holes will be irregular in shape and often have jagged edges. A magnifying glass can be used to see if larvae are crawling around on the sweaters. Moth larvae can be identified by their white exterior and their size of about half an inch. These pesky critters are often found crawling restlessly on fabrics – sometimes clothes, sometimes furniture.

If the moths have reached their adult stages, they can be identified as clothes moths by appearance. These moths, also known as case-making moths, have grayish-yellow forewings that span about half an inch with little dark spots on the outer parts. The hindwings are whiter and silky. A webbing moth is a similar size to the case-making but is a paler color and without spots.

Preventing moth damage with reliable protection.
Products to prevent moth damage and to kill moths have been popular year-round, and sales surge during the fall and winter seasons when knit clothing is most worn. Aside from regularly cleaning sweaters, using a moth trap like Wondercide's Flying Insect Trap is a smart idea. It uses Blu-V™ light that lures in flying insects such as moths, fruit flies, mosquitoes, and gnats. Without producing any noises or odors, this handy device takes care of the bug situation and guards those beloved sweaters. It can be set up in any or every room in the home, and once plugged in, the rest is left up to the trap.

In addition to the Flying Insect Trap, Wondercide's Indoor Pest Control for the Home and Kitchen has the power to kill moths. Wondercide's products are cruelty-free and safe around pets and people when used as directed. With Wondercide's help, consumers will have a solid method of defense against unwanted critters eating their clothes.

This is the season to kick back by the fire with a warm cup of tea in a holiday sweater with Wondercide's simple steps. Wondercide helps make it possible to extend the winter wardrobe for years to come with smart products and sweater expertise.

Sources:
https://earth.org/statistics-about-fast-fashion-waste/
https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Introduction+to+Insect+Pest+Management%2C+3rd+Edition-p-9780471589570

About Wondercide
As seen on Shark Tank, Wondercide is an Austin-based company that has protected 3 million families from bugs since 2009, and the ticker is still running! The company provides plant-powered, lab-proven solutions for those looking for alternatives to conventional pest control products and services. Wondercide's pest protection lineup is safe around the whole family when used as directed and meets the same effectiveness standards required for conventional products, harnessing the power of nature to do the job.

As a Green America Gold Certified business for high standards in social and environmental impact, the company is woman-founded and driven by love to help you Protect Your Pack® – pets, family, homes, indoors and outdoors, and everything in between.

Products are available at Wondercide.com, Amazon, Chewy, and at select independent and national retailers in the USA, including PetSmart, Pet Supplies Plus, and Petco.com. Affiliate available through Amazon and for Wondercide.com through Awin, TikTok, and Aspire.

Media Contact

Melissa Watkins, AMSTERLAND, 804-402-5316, MelissaW@Amsterland.com, www.wondercide.com

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