It is the larvae, not the adult moths, that cause damage — feeding on wool, fur, feathers, and other animal-based fibers tucked away in closets, storage boxes, and rarely-used garments. Adult clothes moths are small, golden-tan, and tend to avoid light, making an infestation easy to miss until holes appear in stored clothing.
Regularly airing and inspecting stored woolens, vacuuming closets and rugs, and using sealed storage containers all help prevent an infestation from taking hold. Cedar and mothballs offer some deterrent effect but are not a substitute for treating an active infestation.