Moths, carpet beetles or silverfish?
The holes themselves look similar whichever pest made them. What separates them is the evidence nearby: webbing, larvae, shed skins and where the damage is.
| Pest | Prefers | Look for | Found |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clothes moths | Wool, cashmere, silk, fur | Silky webbing, cream larvae, small beige moths | Wardrobes, drawers, under furniture |
| Carpet beetles | Wool, feathers, natural carpets | Hairy striped larvae, hollow shed skins, patterned beetles at windows | Carpet edges, under furniture, lofts |
| Silverfish | Paper, wallpaper paste, starchy fabrics | Silvery insects at night, grazed surfaces | Bathrooms, kitchens, damp rooms, book shelves |
| Wear and tear | Cotton and synthetics | Small neat holes in the same spot on several items | Where clothes rub |
Why your favourite jumper gets eaten first
Clothes moth larvae prefer wool that's been worn and put away unwashed, because sweat and food traces make it more nutritious. Washing before storing is the single most effective prevention. Our clothes moth guide covers a full wardrobe clear-out.
The hidden source of carpet beetles
Carpet beetle larvae also feed on dead insects and old bird nests. If you keep finding woolly bears, check the loft and eaves for abandoned nests and piles of dead flies. See our carpet beetle guide.
Questions people ask
Can moth damage be repaired?
Small holes in knitwear can often be darned or repaired by a specialist. Treat the item first by washing or freezing it so you don't reintroduce larvae.
Do moth balls still work?
Traditional moth balls contained chemicals that are no longer widely sold in the UK. Modern moth sprays, papers and sealed storage are more practical.
Does freezing kill clothes moths?
Yes. Seal items in a bag and freeze for at least three days, ideally a week. Let them come back to room temperature before opening the bag to avoid condensation.