Thanks to global warming, clothes moths, of which there are three varieties found in the UK, are on the increase. These are: Tineola bisselliella (the Webbing Clothing Moth); Tinea pellionella (the Case-bearing Clothes Moth; Trichophaga tapetiella (the Tapestry or Carpet Moth).

They all feed on clothing and natural fibres, wool being favourite. They love dark, warm and above all humid places and are particularly attracted by the smell of human sweat. It's the larvae that do the damage. The adult moth lays its eggs in warm, dark moist places. When the eggs hatch, the larvae start munching. If disturbed or they find themselves in a well-lit place, the larvae will try to hide under furniture, rugs, carpets, and along skirting boards where human and animal hair and dust collect.

So how do you protect your warm and woollies? Here's our advice:

Useful links:

• New Mexico State University, college of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
  
• UK Net Guide: How to get rid of moths
  
• Univeristy of California Agriculture & Natural Resources
• Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute