Do Clothes Moths Eat Cotton

By Richard Collings | 3 February 2026 |

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The Correct Answer (Based on UK Research)

If you’ve found holes in clothing and suspect moths, one of the most searched questions is: Do clothes moths eat cotton?

The correct, evidence-based answer is:

Clothes moth larvae do not eat cotton as a food source, but cotton can still be damaged during an infestation.

That difference matters. Misunderstanding it leads to poor diagnosis and ineffective treatment. This article explains what clothes moths actually eat, why cotton sometimes gets holes, how to spot a real infestation, and what to do next.

Do clothes moths eat cotton?

No — cotton is not food for clothes moth larvae.

According to the Natural History Museum, clothes moth larvae feed on natural animal fibres, not plant fibres.
https://www.nhm.ac.uk/take-part/identify-nature/common-insect-pest-species-in-homes/clothes-moths-identification-guide.html

Their diet includes:

wool
cashmere
silk
fur
feathers
animal hair

Cotton is a plant-based cellulose fibre. Clothes moth larvae cannot digest cellulose, so cotton does not provide nutrition and is not deliberately eaten.

This means clean, pure cotton clothing is not a target material for clothes moths.

Why does cotton sometimes get holes?

Although cotton is not eaten, it can still be damaged indirectly during an infestation. This is where many online articles are misleading.

1. Incidental chewing, not feeding

Textile conservation research referenced by English Heritage explains that clothes moth larvae may chew through non-food materials while moving between feeding areas or creating shelter.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/conservation/clothes-moth-research/understanding-clothes-moths/

In these cases, cotton is damaged physically, not consumed as food. The holes look like feeding damage, but are actually collateral damage.

2. Cotton is often blended with animal fibres

Many garments sold as “cotton” are actually cotton blends, especially:

socks
knitwear
linings
blankets
upholstery fabrics

If even a small amount of wool or silk is present, larvae will feed on that animal fibre and leave holes that appear to be in cotton.

The Natural History Museum confirms that blended fabrics are commonly affected in domestic infestations.
https://www.nhm.ac.uk/take-part/identify-nature/common-insect-pest-species-in-homes/clothes-moths-identification-guide.html

3. Cotton stored near feeding materials

Cotton clothing stored next to:

wool jumpers
carpets or rugs
felt underlay
upholstered furniture

may be damaged as larvae move between feeding sites. In this situation, cotton acts as a barrier, not a food source.

Important correction: dirt does NOT make cotton edible

A common myth is that “dirty cotton becomes food for moths”. This is not scientifically accurate.

Larvae may be attracted to dark, undisturbed areas where worn clothing exists, but they still cannot digest cotton fibres. If cotton is damaged, it indicates nearby animal-based materials or incidental chewing.

Clothes moths don’t eat clothes — larvae cause damage.

Another frequent misunderstanding:

Adult clothes moths do not damage fabrics.
Larvae cause all textile damage.

According to the British Pest Control Association, infestations are often well established before adult moths are noticed.
https://bpca.org.uk/a-z-of-pest-advice/clothes-moth-control-get-rid-of-clothes-moths-bpca-a-z-of-pests/189171

Materials that ARE at risk

If cotton clothing is damaged, nearby materials should be checked carefully, especially:

wool carpets and rugs
woollen clothing
felt backing
feather-filled furnishings
silk and cashmere items

Local authority guidance from Lambeth Council confirms that infestations usually begin in quiet, undisturbed textile areas.
https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/pest-control-services/pest-facts/moths

Signs of a genuine clothes moth infestation

You are likely dealing with clothes moths if you see:

irregular holes in wool or silk
damage along carpet edges
fine webbing or debris
small cream-coloured larvae
cocoon-like cases

Rushmoor Borough Council notes that textile pests are often misidentified, delaying proper treatment.
https://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/recycling-rubbish-and-environment/problems-with-animals-and-pests/pests/textile-pests/

Why does cotton damage often mean the infestation is established

If cotton items are being damaged, it usually indicates that:

larvae are moving extensively
feeding sources are nearby
The infestation has spread beyond one item

At this stage, deterrents alone are unlikely to work.

How to stop clothes moth damage properly

Identify the feeding source.
Inspect carpets, rugs, wool garments and furniture — not just cotton items.
Remove larvae and eggs.
Vacuum thoroughly, including skirting edges, cracks and under furniture.
Break the lifecycle
Traps help monitor adult activity but do not eliminate larvae.
Treat the property, not just clothes.
Infestations rarely stay confined to one wardrobe.

For persistent infestations, professional clothes moth treatment is often the most reliable solution.
https://www.mothkill.co.uk/clothes-moth-treatment/