Alpaca fiber is prized for its softness, lightweight nature, and warmth, qualities that stem from its unique hollow-core structure. Like traditional sheep’s wool, this animal fiber is susceptible to damage from common household pests. Any item made from animal hair is a potential food source for certain insects, meaning alpaca wool is at risk. Understanding the biological mechanism behind this attraction and the specific creatures involved is the first step in effective protection for these garments.
The Real Fiber Eaters
The common fluttering moth is not the creature responsible for holes in alpaca knitwear; the damage is exclusively caused by the larva, or juvenile stage, of specific insects. These larvae, primarily the webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the carpet beetle (Anthrenus scrophulariae), possess a unique biological capability. They are one of the few organisms that can digest keratin, which is the complex protein that forms hair, fur, and wool fibers, including alpaca. Larvae use specialized enzymes within their digestive systems to break down this durable protein, extracting the nutrients they need to grow. The presence of food stains, perspiration, or body oils on the garment makes the fiber even more attractive, as these residues provide additional moisture and nutrients that accelerate larval development.
Identifying and Assessing Damage
Identifying an active infestation involves searching for physical signs left by the feeding larvae, which often prefer dark and undisturbed areas. Damage typically appears as small, irregular holes or ragged, threadbare patches in the fabric, often concentrated near seams or folds. Clothes moth larvae are known for creating silken tubes or fine webbing as they feed, which may be visible on the surface of the textile.
Carpet beetle larvae do not spin webs but leave behind telltale signs of their presence. These include tiny, sand-like fecal pellets known as frass, and the brown, bristly skins they shed as they molt. Larvae of both pests are small—clothes moth larvae are creamy-white and up to a half-inch long, while carpet beetle larvae are smaller and typically covered with fine hairs. A thorough inspection of storage areas and the item itself is necessary because the adult insects are seldom seen, with clothes moths avoiding light and carpet beetles often found near windows.
Protecting Alpaca Wool
Long-term protection for alpaca garments relies on a strategy of preventative hygiene and creating an inhospitable storage environment. The most effective step is ensuring items are completely clean before storage, as residual human oils, sweat, or food spills are powerful attractants to the larvae. Dry cleaning or a gentle hand-wash in cool water with a mild detergent eliminates these residues and removes any existing eggs that may be present.
Once clean, garments should be stored in sealed containers that are fully airtight, such as plastic storage bins with gasket seals or vacuum-sealed bags, which physically prevent pests from accessing the fiber. Repellents like cedarwood blocks or lavender sachets can be placed with the items, as their strong aromas are a deterrent. However, these substances will not kill existing larvae or eggs.
For items suspected of having an infestation, non-toxic remediation is necessary to kill the pests in all life stages. This can be achieved by placing the item in a sealed plastic bag and freezing it at 0°F (-18°C) or below for a minimum of 72 hours. Alternatively, exposure to high heat, such as through professional steaming or a targeted cycle in a clothes dryer if the care label allows, can be effective, provided the temperature reaches approximately 120°F (50°C).