The older houses in a village often have cupboards that have not been emptied in years. Larvae love that. The damage appears slowly, then all at once.
Clothes moth larvae feed on keratin, a protein found in wool, silk, fur, feathers and some felts. They prefer dark, undisturbed places and fabrics with a little body oil, sweat or food on them, which is why a worn jumper put away unwashed is more at risk than a clean one. The adult moths do not feed and live for a short time, but they lay eggs, and the larvae then do the damage.
North Muskham is a village north of Newark near the River Trent and the A1, with older houses and newer infill. Older houses tend to have deep cupboards, blanket chests, understairs storage and bedrooms with little air movement, where textiles lie untouched for years. Newer infill houses have fitted wardrobes and warm, dry rooms. Either can host moths, particularly if an inherited rug, curtains or chest of drawers has been moved in.
Take everything out and check each item. Wash what can be washed, at the highest temperature the label allows. Items that cannot be washed can be dry cleaned or sealed in a bag and placed in the freezer for several days. Vacuum the inside of the wardrobe, drawer edges, the skirting and carpet edges, and wipe surfaces. Lavender and cedar can deter adult moths but do not kill larvae or eggs, so they work as a precaution, not a cure.
Wash or dry clean woollens before storage, and use breathable bags or tightly sealed boxes. Open wardrobes and air them. Move furniture occasionally and vacuum underneath. Pheromone traps help you spot activity, though they only catch adult males.
If damage continues despite this, larvae are probably in carpet, underlay or upholstery that you cannot easily treat. A professional visit targets those hidden spots. The number of visits needed depends on how widespread the activity is.
Inherited furniture is a classic route. A chest of drawers, a rug or a box of linen from a relative's house can carry eggs and larvae, and the pieces sit unnoticed for months. Before bringing second-hand textiles into a bedroom, shake them out of doors, inspect the seams and folds, and wash or freeze anything that can take it. It costs very little and prevents a lot of trouble.
To talk it through, call 0115 937 5117. A free pest prevention survey and free advice come with all treatments.
Not as a rule. They prefer natural animal fibres, but they will damage blends and may chew synthetics when these are soiled with food or sweat.
Not always. Items can often be washed or frozen to kill larvae. Check everything nearby too, since infestations spread to neighbouring items.
Tell us what you have seen and where, and we will come back to you. Prices are fixed and there is no call-out charge.
