Leather Properties and Care
Do Moths Eat Leather?
Yes. Clothes moth larvae eat leather as well as wool and fur, mostly in dark, long-term storage. Signs of damage and how to store leather safely.
Yes. Clothes moth larvae feed on animal materials, and university extension guides list leather among them, next to wool, fur, silk and feathers. The adult moths do no damage; the larvae do, and they can digest keratin, the protein in wool, fur and feathers. Leather that is stored dark, undisturbed and soiled is most at risk.
This answer is part of our hub on leather properties and care.
What kind of bugs eat leather?
Damage blamed on moths is sometimes carpet beetle damage. Clothes moth larvae are creamy-white and up to 1/2 in (13 mm) long, and adults lay about 40 to 50 eggs each.
| Pest | What it eats | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes moth larvae | Animal fibers including wool, fur, silk, feathers, felt and leather; also lint and dust | – |
| Carpet beetles (larvae) | Most of the same materials as clothes moths | – |
Which leather items are most at risk
- Items in long storage. Larvae prefer closets, chests and boxes left alone for long periods; clothing in regular use is seldom infested.
- Soiled leather. Larvae prefer items stained with drinks, oil or sweat.
- Fur and wool trims. Wool and fur are among the moths' main foods, so shearling collars and fur trims deserve extra checks.
Signs of moth damage
Look for holes, grazed patches, loose hair or fur, silk webbing, tiny fecal pellets and the larvae themselves. Pheromone glue traps can reveal an infestation early.
Assessing and repairing moth-eaten leather is covered on mumiay.com: moth damage to leather.
How to protect stored leather
- Clean before storage. Cleaning removes eggs and the perspiration odors that attract pests. Do not use ordinary dry cleaning or a clothes dryer on leather: the store warns that dry cleaning can make it crack, fade and shrink, recommends a cleaner who specializes in leather, and says never to tumble-dry it.
- Store cool, dry and ventilated, away from hot attics and damp cellars.
- Choose the cover with care. Sources disagree here. The University of Kentucky advises tight plastic bags or containers against moths. Leather Collection's care instructions say to use breathable cotton covers, because plastic dries leather out.
- Check and air items. Larvae dislike sunlight, and brushing furs helps expose them.
If you find larvae, extension advice is to freeze infested items for a few days to kill eggs and larvae. We found no leather-specific test of freezing, so try it on a hidden spot or ask a leather specialist first.
English Heritage's collections pest control manager, an entomologist, shows how clothes moth larvae damage animal-fiber items such as wool and fur, the silk and gritty droppings they leave, and the deep cleaning used in historic houses. The film does not deal with leather specifically, and its freezing advice (two weeks at about 0 °F, or -18 °C) is longer than the few days in the extension guidance above.
What do moths hate most?
Not cedar, despite its reputation: cedar closets and chests seldom hold enough oil vapor to work. Regular use, cleaning and light do more.
For other storage risks, see leather spew vs mold and is mold on leather dangerous?
FAQ
Do moths eat leather shoes and jackets?
They can. Leather is on the list of materials clothes moth larvae eat, and stored, soiled items are the likeliest targets.
Do adult moths eat clothes?
No. Adults do not feed; only the larvae damage materials.
HitKB Editorial Team
HitKB articles are researched from published sources, cited in the text, and reviewed before publication.