If you’ve ever pulled a favourite jumper from your wardrobe only to discover small holes, you’ll know how upsetting moth damage can be. One of the most common misconceptions we hear is that moths are only a “summer problem”, when in reality, understanding when moths are most active (and what they’re doing the rest of the year) is the key to protecting your clothes properly.
This guide breaks down moth activity by season in the UK, explains what’s really happening inside your home, and shows how to care for your clothes year-round, calmly, naturally and effectively.
First, a quick myth-buster
Moths don’t damage clothes, moth larvae do.
Adult clothes moths lay eggs in dark, undisturbed areas where natural fibres are present. When those eggs hatch, the larvae feed on keratin, a protein found in wool, cashmere, silk, alpaca and other natural fibres.
This is why moth damage often appears weeks or months after the initial infestation, and why prevention is far more effective than reacting once holes appear.
Spring: The start of moth season (March-May)
As temperatures rise and daylight increases, moth activity begins to pick up.
In UK homes, spring is when:
- Overwintering larvae begin to mature (those that hatched late in autumn often don’t mature till spring)
- Eggs laid in autumn start to hatch
- Adult moths emerge and start laying eggs
- Wardrobes that haven’t been disturbed over winter become vulnerable
This is a critical moment for early prevention.
What to do in spring
- Air out wardrobes and storage spaces
- Put knitwear in the freezer for at least 48 hours
- Wash knitwear thoroughly before storing
- Introduce natural moth deterrents and pheromone moth traps early, before eggs are laid
This is where scented wardrobe protection, using essential oils like cedarwood, lavender and eucalyptus, plays an important role, creating an environment moths are less likely to choose.
Summer: Peak moth activity (June-August)
Summer is when clothes moths are most active in the UK.
Warm temperatures speed up the moth life cycle, meaning:
- Eggs hatch more quickly (4-10 days)
- Larvae feed more aggressively
- Multiple generations can occur in a single season
This is also when wardrobes are often left untouched, winter knitwear pushed to the back, stored under beds or packed away, creating the perfect conditions for infestation.
Why summer damage often goes unnoticed
You may not see holes immediately. Larvae feed slowly and discreetly, meaning damage is often discovered months later when cooler weather returns.
What to do in summer
- Maintain consistent protection, not just a one-off solution
- Use pheromone traps to trap male moths and interrupt the breeding cycle
- Refresh wardrobe scents regularly
- Avoid storing unwashed garments (even lightly worn items)
Summer is the most important time for active moth defence, not just reactive measures.
Autumn: A hidden danger zone (September-November)
As outdoor temperatures drop, moths move deeper into homes, and activity often continues unnoticed.
In autumn:
- Larvae may still be feeding
- Adult moths may continue laying eggs indoors
- People begin rotating wardrobes, disturbing infested items
This is when many people discover moth damage, even though the problem started months earlier.
What to do in autumn
- Inspect knitwear before wearing or storing
- Wash items with gentle detergents designed for natural fibres
- Continue using moth deterrents as you transition your wardrobe
Autumn is about damage limitation and continuity, stopping the lifecycle from carrying into winter.
Winter: Are moths active in winter? (December-February)
This is where the biggest misunderstanding lies.
While moth activity slows down in colder conditions, moths do not disappear in winter, especially indoors.
In centrally heated homes:
- Larvae can remain active
- Eggs can survive and hatch later
- Damage continues quietly
This is why moth problems often feel “sudden” in spring, the groundwork was laid during winter.
What to do in winter
- Keep light, consistent protection in place
- Refresh wardrobe scents
- Rotate putting knitwear in your freezer to kill any residual eggs and larvae
- Use the quieter months to prepare for spring
Winter is the best time to get ahead, not to stop caring altogether.
Why seasonal protection works better than one-off solutions
Because moths follow a lifecycle, effective protection needs to:
- Deter adult moths from laying eggs
- Monitor and disrupt existing activity
- Protect fibres continuously, not occasionally
This is why a seasonal approach to wardrobe care works so well, adjusting protection levels as moth activity changes throughout the year, rather than reacting once damage is visible.
Natural moth repellents vs traditional solutions
Traditional mothballs and chemical repellents often:
- Contain harsh pesticides
- Leave strong odours
- Aren't suitable for homes with children or pets
Natural alternatives use essential oils moths dislike, such as:
- Cedarwood
- Lavender
- Eucalyptus
- Patchouli
When used consistently, these create an inhospitable environment for moths, without coating your clothes in chemicals.
A calm, year-round approach to moth protection
The most effective moth defence doesn’t involve panic or constant checking.
It’s about:
- Understanding the seasons
- Using the right protection at the right time
- Caring for clothes gently and consistently
That’s why many people choose a seasonal wardrobe care routine, where protection and scent are refreshed automatically in line with the time of year, removing the guesswork and helping clothes last longer.
Final thoughts: timing matters
To summarise moth activity in the UK:
- Spring: Activity begins - prevention is key
- Summer: Peak risk - active protection essential
- Autumn: Damage often discovered - continuity matters
- Winter: Activity slows but doesn’t stop - preparation counts
By understanding when moths are most active, you can protect what you love with far less effort, and far more confidence.
That’s why our Seasonal Scent & Protect Box is designed to work with the calendar:
✔ Seasonal scents with natural moth-repelling properties
✔ Targeted protection when moth activity changes
✔ Gentle care for wool, cashmere and delicate fibres
