Moths may seem harmless at first glance, but behind the scenes, they can cause lasting damage to carpets, clothes, and furnishings particularly those made from natural fibres like wool. If you’ve noticed holes in your knitwear or patches appearing on your carpets, it could be a sign that moths have moved in.
We often receive more moth-related callouts as the weather begins to warm up, but they can be active year-round indoors, especially in heated homes or storage spaces. Knowing what to look for and acting early is key to preventing long-term damage.
What Do Clothes Moths Look Like?
Clothes moths are small, typically 6–8mm in length and have a light straw or golden colour. They’re not always easy to spot because they tend to hide in quiet, dark places and scuttle rather than fly. In fact, only the male moths are capable of flying, and even then, they often stay close to the floor or walls. The females do not fly at all, and the adults don’t feed, their sole purpose is to breed.
It’s the larvae you need to worry about. These are yellowish-white in colour with a brown head and can reach up to 10mm when fully grown. They spin silk tunnels and camouflage them with fibres, dust, and debris, making them even harder to detect.
What Do Moths Damage?
The larvae feed on natural fibres such as:
- Wool
- Cashmere
- Silk
- Fur
- Feathers
You’ll often find damage in:
- Carpets (especially around the edges or under furniture)
- Wardrobes and drawers
- Under sofas and beds
- Clothing that’s been stored away long-term
Moth damage often appears as irregular holes or threadbare patches, especially in infrequently used or undisturbed areas.
When Are Moths Most Active?
The moth lifecycle is highly dependent on temperature, with faster development in warm, humid conditions. In the right environment, their full lifecycle, from egg to adult, can take as little as 9.5 weeks, although 2–3 months is more typical.
Because many homes are kept warm throughout the year, moths can be active at any time, though infestations often become more noticeable in spring and summer.
How to Spot the Signs
Moths are sneaky, and by the time damage is visible, they’ve often been present for several months. Look out for:
- Small holes in clothes or carpet
- Silky webbing or cases in drawers or corners
- Tiny, golden moths crawling near the floor or on walls
- Larvae cases hidden in fibres or dust
The case-bearing clothes moth (Tinea pellionella) is another common pest, with similar habits, but the larvae carry their silk cocoon around with them as they feed.
How We Deal with Moths
Effective moth control needs to target both the larvae and the adults. At ASW Pest Control, we use professional-grade residual insecticides to treat affected areas and break the lifecycle. We also provide guidance on what to clean and how to reduce the risk of re-infestation.
Vacuuming edges of carpets, under beds and wardrobes, and keeping clothes clean and stored in sealed bags can all help reduce activity, but professional treatment is often needed to fully resolve the problem.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
Moths won’t go away on their own and the longer an infestation is left, the more damage they can do. If you’ve noticed suspicious holes, larvae cases, or signs of activity, we recommend getting in touch with us as soon as possible.
Call ASW Pest Control on 0800 592011
Or contact us online to book a visit or request advice.
We’ll carry out a full inspection, confirm the extent of the infestation, and provide the right treatment to deal with it effectively.
