Not all moths entering a building are pests. Clothes moth larvae may damage natural fibres, while some pantry moths develop in stored foods. The identification of moths and larvae is essential before treatment.
Before treatment
What an assessment involves
We look for the larval food source and determine whether the problem involves fabrics or stored products. Checking under furniture, carpet edges and pantry stock often provides more useful evidence than counting adult moths alone.
A measured response
How professional control is approached
The plan may involve removal or careful handling of infested materials, cleaning, monitoring traps and targeted professional treatment where appropriate. Measures vary significantly between clothes moths and food moths.
Spot the evidence
Signs to look for
These signs can indicate a problem, but not every sign is conclusive. A proper identification helps determine the next step.
- Irregular holes or surface grazing on wool, carpets or other natural fibres.
- Larvae, silk tubes or webbing around fabric edges.
- Moths or webbing in stored dry food, cereals or pet feed.
- Repeated adult moths around particular rooms or cupboards.
Reduce recurrence
Practical prevention
- Store seasonal natural-fibre clothing clean and sealed.
- Inspect less-disturbed carpets and the edges beneath furniture.
- Rotate and check dried food or pet-food stocks.
- Remove affected stored products safely as advised.
Common questions
Moth Control FAQs
Do moths themselves eat clothes?
Damage is generally caused by larvae, not adult moths.
Can you treat carpets?
An assessment can establish whether carpet moths are present and identify practical treatment options.
Will moth traps get rid of them?
Traps can support identification and monitoring but rarely address the larval source on their own.
Need an assessment?
Tell us what you have noticed.
Describe the activity and location so we can advise on the next practical step.