There’s nothing worse than lifting your favourite wool rug or taking your favourite jumper our of the wardrobe to find that its full of holes courtesy of the common moth or to give it its official name Tineola bisselliella.

What are moths?

Moths can be extremely destructive and whilst they don’t pose a health risk they are a domestic pest due to the harm they can do to clothing, fabrics, furs, leather and carpets. In fact it isn’t the moths themselves which do the damage but the caterpillars that emerge from the eggs that the female moths lay in clusters of between 30 and 200 and which develop into microscopic caterpillars.

What are the signs that have moths?

Both adult moths and their larvae prefer low light conditions, so wardrobes are an ideal place for them to feed but they can also be found in rugs, mouldings at the corners of rooms and in curtains and carpets.

The common moth feeds on clothing and natural fibres and has the ability to digest the keratin protein in wool and silk – so if you have woollen rugs, carpets and curtains then they’ll be the places where you see the signs of moth damage, particularly behind furniture. You may also see the adult moths but these are small and so can squeeze themselves into corners of drawers and wardrobes to hide.

What can I do to get rid of moths?

Vigilance is the key as is dry cleaning or laundering clothing before storing it for winter and cleaning carpets regularly – moths prefer dirty clothes and carpets as they contain proteins from perspiration which the larvae feed on.

The chemicals to eradicate a moth infestation can be harmful, not only to humans but to pets and fish so the best thing to do if you find you are infested is to call in the professionals. They have the means to treat all of the life stages of the moth from the eggs to the adults and so will ensure that your home is completely moth free, something that will save you time and the energy of doing it yourself as well as maintaining the wellbeing of you, loved ones and pets.