I found strange little reddish balls on an old sweater and almost threw up when I realized what it was.

## 🧼 What to Do Immediately

If you discover something similar on your clothes, **don’t panic** — but do act fast:

### 1. **Isolate the Garment**

Place the affected sweater in a sealed plastic bag. This prevents the infestation from spreading.

### 2. **Inspect Your Closet**

Check surrounding garments, especially other wool or knit items. Look for:

* Small holes
* Silky webbing
* Clusters of dust-like material in corners or seams

### 3. **Wash or Dry Clean**

Moth eggs and larvae **can’t survive high temperatures**, so:

* Machine wash the item in **hot water** (if safe for the fabric), or
* Have it **dry cleaned** professionally

### 4. **Vacuum and Clean Thoroughly**

Vacuum drawers, shelves, and closet corners — especially in hidden or dark areas. Immediately empty and discard the vacuum bag.

Use **a mild disinfectant or vinegar solution** to wipe down surfaces.

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## 🧺 How to Prevent It in the Future

Clothing moths are sneaky, but with a few simple habits, you can protect your wardrobe:

### ✅ Clean Clothes Before Storing

Even if an item looks clean, residual oils or food particles can attract pests. Wash or dry clean before long-term storage.

### ✅ Use Airtight Storage

Store off-season clothes in **vacuum-sealed bags**, **plastic bins**, or **cedar chests** to block moth access.

### ✅ Natural Repellents

* Place **cedar blocks**, **lavender sachets**, or **clove pouches** in drawers and closets.
* These natural scents repel moths without harsh chemicals.

### ✅ Regularly Air Out and Inspect

Moths prefer undisturbed fabrics. Rotate your clothing, air out closets, and give garments a good shake every now and then.

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## 🧣 Final Thoughts

What started as a cozy reunion with an old favorite sweater turned into an unexpected and unpleasant biology lesson. Those **reddish specks** were a warning — one I won’t ignore again.

Let my cringe-worthy moment be a lesson: always check stored clothing and never underestimate the tiny, destructive power of **moths**.

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**Want a checklist for storing seasonal clothes or natural moth-repellent DIYs? Just ask—I’d be happy to help you protect your wardrobe!**