Finding a hole in a favourite cardigan is a nasty surprise. In Sherwood's older villas, moth larvae often work unseen in rooms that are rarely used.
The moths you notice flying are mostly adults, which do not feed on fabric. Their offspring, the larvae, do. They are small, pale and hard to see, and they eat keratin in wool, cashmere, silk, fur and feathers. Wool carpets, rugs, underlay, upholstery and stored blankets are all targets.
They prefer undisturbed corners with some dust or soil on the fabric. A pristine, regularly worn jumper is less likely to be touched than one left at the back of a drawer for a year.
Sherwood is a northern suburb of Victorian villas and terraces with a busy local shopping parade. Larger villas usually have spare rooms, box rooms, attic bedrooms and deep built-in cupboards, all of which can stay shut for long periods. Wool carpets on stairs and landings sit under furniture and along edges, where larvae feed unseen.
Homes that take in second-hand furniture, charity shop clothes or inherited rugs are at more risk, as items can carry eggs. It is worth checking any vintage textile before you place it among your own.
Remove everything from the affected cupboard and check each item. Wash or dry-clean what can be treated, and freeze small woollens in a sealed bag for several days if the label does not allow washing. Vacuum the wardrobe, shelves and skirting boards, then wipe with hot soapy water. Carpet edges and the gap under the wardrobe deserve extra attention.
If you keep finding new damage, or larvae are in carpets and upholstery, professional treatment can deal with the spread. A technician will inspect to confirm the species, because carpet beetle larvae can look similar in their effects, then treat the areas where larvae are feeding. We include a free pest prevention survey. How long it takes depends on how far the problem has spread.
Some people keep a few moth traps in the house as a monitor. They catch males looking for a mate and tell you whether activity is rising or falling, but they do not clear larvae. Treat them as a gauge rather than a cure, and combine them with cleaning, careful storage and an occasional look inside quiet cupboards.
Seasonal checks before winter storage take only a few minutes and save a great deal of repair.
Call 0115 937 5117 and we will arrange a visit at a time that suits you.
They may deter adult moths for a while but do not remove larvae already feeding, and the smell lingers. Cleaning, airing and, where needed, professional treatment are more dependable.
Clean them first, then keep them in sealed bags or boxes in a dry place. Soiled wool is more attractive to larvae, so cleaning before storage is as important as the container.
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.
