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Table of contents:
WHY MOTHS DESTROY CARPETS AND CLOTHES AND HOW TO PREVENT IT
Why do moths destroy carpets and clothes?
There are a couple of scenarios that alert householders or property owners to a moth issue:
You become aware of a prevalence of small moths and some investigation reveals damage to natural fibre clothes or carpets.
Or vice versa - you spot some damage before you become aware of the moth presence.
If you do not know the biology of moths, as you start to see dead moths or ones fluttering around, you may wonder: How do they do such damage to carpets and clothes?
Actually, it is the larvae that consume the keratin in fibres such as wool, cashmere and silk.
Carpet and clothes moths have complete metamorphosis. The adult stage of the life cycle is the most short lived, just a few days. In that time, the female instinctively lays eggs on natural fibres, so that the emerging larva is on the food source. The larva lifespan is the longest part of the cycle, living up to 30 months - long enough to do great harm. When there is an infestation in a property, then there is a multiplicity of damage.
The photo below shows part of a considerable case-bearing clothes moth infestation. Larvae were all round the edges of the carpet, under furniture and as you can see climbing up the under-stairs panelling.
The carpet was relatively new, but there was very little of the edge that hadn't been affected.
What moths commonly affect properties in Devon, Dorset and Somerset?
The Natural History Museum stated: "The two moths most commonly found in UK homes doing damage to natural fibres are the common clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the case-bearing clothes moth (Tinea pellionella)."
We can confirm this to be true from our own experience.
Other moths that can consume natural fibres are brown house moths, white-shouldered moths and tapestry carpet moths.
How do moths enter a property in the first place?
As with most insects, moths thrive in warmer weather, which is also when windows are more likely to be open. They can simply fly in. Having seen firsthand the damage that moths do, a moth in this pest technician's home does not last long - out comes the Dyson! That being said, with milder winters and central heating, moths can be a problem all year round.
There is another less obvious route. Moth infested clothing, furniture, carpets, rugs and the like introduced into the property unwittingly can proliferate into a serious problem by transference.
How can you prevent moth damage?
The BPCA have provided the following advice:
Wash garments thoroughly before you put them away - clothes moths are attracted to perspiration and food stains
Keep your wardrobe well ventilated
Brush any clothes made of wool or fur after you wear them outside
Wash your clothes and belongings before you store them away for long periods of time, preferably in airtight containers or plastic garment bags
Keep storage areas for clothing and other belongings dry
Frequently vacuum and clean carpets or rugs, particularly in the corners and crevices.
We have noticed that properties that are not lived in permanently are more susceptible to moth damage. Moths have entered the property in some way, as described above, but long periods without vacuuming and movement of furniture can mean an unchecked problem escalates. (See example from photo below)
How do Three Counties Pest Control treat moth infestations?
We specialise in non-chemical eradication, with prices from £240 per treatment
Super heated dry steam eradicates all stages from egg to adult
Non-toxic approach is safe and allows client to remain in the property for the duration of the treatment
Chemical and non-toxic control might require two or more treatments depending on the circumstance
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