Moths may seem harmless, but their larvae can cause extensive damage to clothes, carpets, and stored products. At ASW Pest Control, we provide safe and effective moth treatments for homes and businesses across Wiltshire and the surrounding regions. Our experienced technicians use proven methods to eliminate infestations and prevent further damage, helping you protect your property and belongings with confidence.
Moths may look harmless, but their larvae can cause serious damage to clothes, carpets, and stored goods. ASW Pest Control provides professional moth treatments with a focus on long-lasting results. We can also advise on prevention to protect your property in the future. Our 5-star reviews, show you can trust ASW to keep your home or business safe from infestations.
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(Common Clothes Moth – Tineola bisselliella)
These moths are among the most common fabric pests in the UK, with larvae that feed on natural fibres such as wool, silk, and cotton. Unlike many flying insects, the adult moths themselves do not cause damage; it is their larvae that create holes in clothes, carpets, and upholstery as they feed. Infestations often develop in dark, undisturbed areas such as wardrobes, cupboards, or beneath furniture, where eggs are laid directly onto fabrics. Clothes moths can be difficult to spot until damage is already visible, and infestations can spread quickly if untreated. Professional moth treatments are the most reliable way to protect valuable items and prevent further damage.
Body length 6 – 8 mm.
Moths are light straw, nearly golden, in colour. Moths typically have their wings tucked along their body scuttling around out of sight in areas such as under sofas or wardrobes. Adults are rarely seen in flight as only males will fly, females do not fly. Adult moths do not feed and are short lived. The larva are yellowish white in colour with a brown head, they build tunnels of silk which are camouflaged using fibres and debris. Larvae measure around 10 mm in length when fully mature.
The larvae feed on natural fibres like wool, furs. Moth damage is typically found in carpets and wool clothing.
Following around 5 moults the larvae pupate into adult moths. The entire lifecycle can take as little as 9.5 weeks in optimum conditions although more likely to take longer as development is very much temperature dependant.
The lifecycle lasts for about 65-90 days, with the female adult moths living for about 30 days and potentially laying up to 300 eggs. The larvae that hatch from the eggs do the damage, as the adult moths themselves, known as ‘millers’, pose no threat to your knitwear.
Control of moths will require the use of residual insecticides to achieve effective control. This will target both adult and larval stages of the insects. Regular vacuuming of carpet edges, under beds, wardrobes etc will help reduce infestations.
Case Bearing Clothes Moth Tinaea Pellonella: This moth is very similar in appearance and habits as the common clothes moth. The main difference is the larvae carries its cocoon of silk around with it as it feeds.
Control is the same for both species.
Moth infestations are usually caused by adult moths laying eggs in dark, undisturbed areas such as wardrobes, carpets, or storage spaces. The larvae then feed on natural fibres like wool, silk, and upholstery. Poor ventilation and infrequent cleaning can increase the risk of infestation.
It’s not the adult moths that cause damage, but their larvae. These larvae feed on natural materials, creating holes in clothing, carpets, and soft furnishings. Left untreated, infestations can spread and lead to costly damage to personal or commercial property.
Common signs include small holes in clothing or carpets, shed larval skins, silky webbing, or seeing small moths in dark areas. Moths are often hidden, so damage is usually noticed before the insects themselves, especially in wardrobes or beneath furniture.
Effective moth control involves identifying the affected areas, treating both larvae and adult moths with professional-grade insecticides, and addressing the conditions that allowed the infestation to develop. DIY treatments often miss hidden larvae, which is why infestations can quickly return without professional intervention.
Prevention includes regular vacuuming (especially edges and under furniture), storing clothes in sealed containers, and keeping areas clean and well-ventilated. Ongoing monitoring and early action are key to preventing a small issue from becoming a larger infestation.
