Spiders and Moths. Comical poem 888 by Angela Lansbury.

 I have no spider in my bath

But, darlings, that is not a laugh

I have a dreadful tale of woes

I've four moth holes in two loved clothes

I'm so fed up. This has to stop.

I'm looking for a spider shop

If you've a spider, I have moths

I'm really keen - let's do a swap!

-ends-

Yes, spiders do eat moths. Most web-building and hunting spiders will happily catch and eat them, though moths have a clever defense mechanism that makes them trickier to catch than other insects.

How Moths Escape Spider Webs

Moth wings are covered in thousands of microscopic, powdery scales. When a moth flies into a sticky spider web, these scales detach easily—sticking to the silk instead of the moth's body. This often allows the moth to pull free and fly away, leaving behind a patch of "dust" on the web.

How Spiders Still Catch Them

• Ladder-Web Spiders: Certain orb-weavers (like those in the genus Scoloderus) spin elongated, ladder-shaped webs specifically designed to catch moths. As the moth tumbles down the long web, it sheds all its scales until its bare wings finally stick to the bottom.

• Bolas Spiders: These spiders don't use traditional webs at all. Instead, they emit a scent that mimics female moth pheromones to lure male moths in, then swing a sticky silk globule (a "bolas") to snag them out of the air.

• Ambush & Hunting Spiders: Spiders that don't rely on sticky webs—like jumping spiders, wolf spiders, and crab spiders—simply grab moths directly with their legs and subdue them with venom.

(Note: If you're hoping spiders will solve a clothes moth infestation indoors, they will certainly snack on any adult moths they catch, though they won't get to the larvae hiding deep in your wardrobe!)

I have moth holes in clothes. what should I do

Dealing with clothes moths can be frustrating, but you can clear them out and protect your wardrobe with a systematic cleaning and prevention routine. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do:

1. Empty and Clean the Affected Areas

Clothes moth larvae are what actually cause the damage (adult moths don't eat fabric; they just fly around looking to mate). They love dark, undisturbed places like closets, drawers, and storage boxes.

• Empty closets and drawers completely: Take everything out of the affected spaces.

• Vacuum thoroughly: Vacuum the floors, baseboards, cracks, crevices, and the inside of your closets or wardrobes. Immediately empty or throw away the vacuum bag outside.

• Wash down surfaces: Wipe down shelves and interior walls with warm, soapy water or a vinegar-water solution.

2. Wash and Treat All Clothes

Even if clothes don't look damaged, they may contain microscopic moth eggs or larvae.

• High-heat washing: Wash all vulnerable items (wool, cashmere, silk, leather, and blended fabrics) in hot water (at least 50°C / 120°F) if the fabric care label permits.

• Dry on high heat: If items can't be washed in hot water, tumble dry them on high heat for at least 30 to 45 minutes, as heat kills all life stages of moths.

• Dry cleaning: Take delicate or dry-clean-only garments to a professional dry cleaner and let them know about the moths.

• Freezing: For items that can't take heat (like special vintage or delicate woolens), seal them in a plastic bag and freeze them for at least 72 hours.

3. Repair Your Clothes

• Mend the holes: For your favorite garments, you can patch them, take them to a tailor for invisible mending, or embrace the visible mending trend (like sashiko embroidery) to turn the holes into unique design features.

4. Prevent Future Infestations

• Store clean items properly: Moths are attracted to sweat, food stains, and body oils on clothes. Always wash or dry clean garments before storing them away for the season.

• Use airtight storage: Store off-season woolens and natural fibers in sealed plastic bins or vacuum-compression bags rather than cardboard boxes or woven baskets, which larvae can chew through.

• Skip traditional mothballs (if preferred): Traditional naphthalene mothballs have a strong, unpleasant chemical odor and can be toxic. Instead, use natural deterrents like cedar wood blocks, lavender sachets, or herbal moth repellents (though note that these repel adults rather than killing existing larvae).

• Improve airflow: Regularly open your closet doors, let light in, and air out your wardrobe, as moths thrive in dark, stagnant conditions.