As the weather turns colder, many of us are digging out our wool sweaters and cardigans from storage. However, these woollens may have acquired a few moth holes that make them less than appealing to wear. These holes are caused by the larvae of the Clothes Moth, and they love dark spaces that are warm and humid. The larvae feed on natural fibers of animal origin – including wool, cashmere, mohair, silk and fur. They are also attracted to natural skin oils, perspiration and food stains that may be present on clothing.

When the moth larvae chew through the fibres of these garments, they create small holes that may look like pinpricks or trenches. In addition, the edges of these holes have a jagged or fringed appearance that distinguishes them from other types of damage such as snags and wear. These marks are typically found on the front and sleeve-ends of garments that have been worn often, especially in areas where there is constant friction against other fabrics or items such as pegs.

The best way to deal with moth holes is to treat the garments before storing them. Laundering the clothes and then repairing the holes by needle felting them is a great way to salvage damaged pieces of woollen knitwear. It's worth noting, however, that the more severe the damage is, the harder it will be to repair the moth holes. If a moth hole is so large that it will cause the knit to unravel, it might be time to toss the garment.

To prevent moths and their larvae from damaging your woollens, store them in sealed containers that are airtight. Use moth repellents that contain essential oils of lavender, cedarwood and rosemary to discourage moth larvae from infesting your woollens. Regularly vacuum seal the corners of drawers and cupboards, as well as dusty corners of closets. Moths are more likely to infest clothes that are stored for long periods, so it's important to re-inspect your clothes regularly and discard any that show signs of moth damage.

Using a dry clean only label on woollens is a good idea to avoid exposing your clothes to any harmful chemicals, as these could potentially affect the fibres and cause them to become weaker over time. This will also help to prevent the clothing from shrinking when you get it professionally cleaned. If you have any clothes that require dry cleaning, it's a good idea to place them in a plastic bag and seal the zipper before taking them to the cleaners. This will help to contain any moth eggs and prevent the moths from spreading their larvae onto other, unaffected clothes.