UK
Almost one-fifth (17%) of the population have recently experienced problems with clothes moths – some 8.9 million Brits with holes in their clothes, according to research carried out on behalf of Laundrapp, the award-winning laundry and drycleaning start-up.
The highest number live in London (36%), while up to one quarter (25%) of people having at least five tops damaged in the last year alone
Other southern cities are also moth spots, including Cardiff (26%) and Plymouth (19%). In fact, those in the North East are largely unaffected, with 90% of people in this region reporting to never have experienced a problem with clothes moths.
Research was conducted by CensusWide on behalf of Laundrapp. A total of 2,003 people from across the UK were surveyed from the 9 – 11 August.
Laundrapp co-founder & CEO, Edward Relf says: “Clothes moths are enterprising little insects – they’re experts at hiding and can survive on virtually any natural fibre, which means your favourite wool, cashmere, silks, cottons and linens are all at risk.
He added: “Drycleaning or laundering garments before storing them for long periods ensures that there’s no live eggs or larvae in the fabric, and removes any food spills, perspiration and other stains that attract the troublesome creatures.”