Carpet moths can be a frustrating problem for homeowners, as they can cause damage to carpets and other textiles in the home. Moth-eaten carpets are something we see quite often here at Art of Clean, so if you carry on reading and realise you have got a moth infestation... fear not, you're not alone! It is more common than you think.
In this article, I will cover "How to prevent moths from eating your wool carpet" and what to look for if you suspect a moth infestation. Every section is headed in blood, so you can choose what you would like to know.
The first step to combatting this issue is to move all furniture so that you can give the carpet a thorough vacuuming. Moths lay their eggs in the dark, undisturbed areas such as under furniture and skirting boards. It isn’t actually the moth eating your carpet; it is the larvae they lay.
To prevent the moths from returning, it is important to vacuum regularly and ensure you empty the vacuum outside every time. However, if the problem persists and you continue to find more moths, it may be time to contact a professional carpet cleaning company.
While some professionals may use insecticides to kill the moths, this approach is not ideal as it involves spraying poison on your carpet. At Art of Clean, we prefer to use a saltwater solution instead. This method does not kill the moths but makes the carpet less appealing, causing them to look for food elsewhere.
If the problem persists, it is worth checking with your neighbours to see if they are also experiencing a moth problem, as they can easily travel from one house to another through floorboards and other means.
Moth larvae can potentially eat all types of carpets, but they prefer natural fibres such as wool and silk. These fibres are more appealing to moths because they contain keratin, a protein found in animal hair and skin, which moths use as a food source.
Synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester are less susceptible to moth damage because they do not contain keratin. However, moths can still damage synthetic fibres if blended with natural fibres or if the carpet has any natural fibre components, such as backing or padding.
It is also worth noting that moths are not the only pests that can damage carpets. Carpet beetles and other insects can also cause damage to carpets, so it is important to take steps to prevent infestations and promptly address any signs of damage.
Moth damage to carpets can occur in any region or climate where moths are present. However, certain areas are more prone to moth infestations due to factors such as humidity and temperature.
Moth larvae generally thrive in warm and humid environments, so areas with high humidity, such as coastal regions, may be more prone to moth infestations. Moths are more active during the summer, so areas with warm summers may also be at a higher risk. However, they may still thrive if you always have the heating on in the colder months.
However, it is important to note that moth infestations can occur in any part of the country, regardless of the climate or region. The best way to prevent moth damage to carpets is to maintain good cleaning and maintenance practices, such as regular vacuuming and professional carpet cleaning, and promptly address any signs of a moth infestation.
Below images – Red circles are round the larvae that eats your carpet. White Arrows are pointing to the damage they can cause!
Below are more images of the damage they can make while having their feast:
One of the most obvious signs is the presence of small cream-coloured eggs on the carpet fibres. You may also notice patches where the carpet appears to be going bald, indicating that the moths are feeding on the fibres.
Another thing to look out for is the presence of adult moths, which are typically small, beige or brown in colour and may be seen flying around the room or resting on the carpet. Additionally, you may notice larvae or small, worm-like creatures on the carpet fibres, which are the immature form of the moths.
If you are unsure whether you have a moth infestation, it is always best to consult with a professional carpet cleaning company or pest control expert to properly diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action to take.
Edited and written by Tracey Gilbey, Marketing
For further advice or information on our Carpet and Soft Furnishing care, please do not hesitate to contact the Art of Clean team on 01223 901551 in Cambridge. Our services include Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, oriental and area Rug Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Patio, and Driveway Pressure washing, Leather Cleaning, Stone and Tile Floor Cleaning, and Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration. We also supply new flooring and carpets through our sister company Art of Flooring. Our Dry-Cleaning service is provided by Farthings Cambridge.
