How To Get Rid Of Carpet Moths

Having to deal with clothing or carpet moths can be a hassle. Unfortunately, they are found pretty much everywhere in the world. Thus, no matter where you live, your living room, bathroom, or any other space in your home with a carpet or a rug can be potentially targeted by these little critters. That’s why we’ve put together a thorough article on how to get get rid of carpet moths.

1. Identification
2. What Causes Carpet Moths?
3. How to Identify Carpet Moths?
4. Do We Have Carpet Moths in the UK?
5. Eradication
6. How to Get Rid of Carpet Moths (and Clothes Moths)?
7. Restoration
8. Professional Carpet Steaming
9. The Bottom Line & Prevention
10. FAQ Section

Identify First

Early detection can make an enormous difference in preventing extensive damage. Luckily, moths are easily identifiable because of their distinctive marking and behavior. They tend to be between 14 and 18 mm and go through four life cycles in one year. One of the most common signs of moths is the presence of cocoons in your home. Moths will attack carpets during their larval stage, as they feed on the fibers to prepare for pupation. Keep an eye on strange patches on the edges and corners of your rugs, which are other common signs of the presence of carpet moths.

What Causes Carpet Moths?

Carpet moths are attracted to carpeting, rugs, and other keratin-rich materials. While they tend to be known for destroying carpets, which gives them their name, their diet is not only limited to carpets. They also enjoy munching on anything made of fur, silk, or feathers. Basically, if it’s a fibre that contains keratin (a natural protein), the carpet moth will be happy to call it dinner. But, the interesting thing is that the carpet ‘moths’ don’t actually eat your carpets. It’s, in fact, their larvae that do all the eating.

How to Identify Carpet Moths?

The carpet moth has a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. It’s worth understanding each of these stages so you can better identify if you have carpet moths in your premises.

1. Eggs: Carpet moth eggs are 0.5mm in length, making them very difficult to see with the naked eye. The egg stage of the lifecycle lasts only 4-10 days, before they hatch into larvae.
2. Larvae: It’s the larvae that do the damage to carpets. They are usually a creamy white worm with a darker head, but their color can change depending on the color of the carpet they are eating. Larvae are typically only a few millimeters long when they hatch, but they grow to 1-1.5cm in length before they move to the pupa stage of the life cycle. The larvae stage normally lasts about 6 months, but can last over two years if food or moisture is not sufficiently abundant for them to develop at their normal rate.
3. Pupa: The pupa stage lasts only 8 – 10 days. During this stage, the larvae spin a cocoon from silky thread it creates. Inside the cocoon, it will metamorphose into the adult carpet moth.

Do We Have Carpet Moths in the UK?

Yes, but they are quite rare technically speaking. Carpet moths are much more common in the US and Mexico. Carpet Moth is the species Trichophagia tapetzella or more commonly called tapestry Moth. So what moths are eating your carpets in the UK? Carpet moths are not the only moths that attack carpets. If your carpet is being attacked by moths here in the UK, it will probably be common clothes moths that are doing the damage as opposed to carpet moths. Both types of moths feed on the same stuff – keratin, and they don’t discriminate between clothes and carpets.

How to Get Rid

Getting rid of carpet moths by vacuuming and washing your carpets might seem like a good idea. However, such practices are not effective in eradicating the pests, as they only reduce their numbers. If you want to eliminate carpet moths, you should call a professional. Carpet moths have short life cycles and can reproduce very quickly. Thus, trying to eradicate them by washing your carpets will not be enough. The reality is that despite the power of your device, you won’t be able to remove all eggs by vacuuming. Not eliminating eggs will most probably result in re-infestation.

1. Vacuum Regularly: Vacuuming regularly is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get rid of carpet moths. Vacuuming with strong suction removes eggs and larvae. Make sure to vacuum around baseboards, under furniture, and in any other hard-to-reach areas, including under all furniture.
2. Use Insecticide Sprays: You can also use insecticides to kill carpet moth larvae. If you choose to use this method, make sure to follow directions carefully and wear protective clothing. Regardless of whether your problem is being caused by carpet moths or clothes moths eating your carpet, moth sprays will kill both species. Always be sure to keep animals and children away from treated areas.
3. Use Glue Strips and Traps: There are a variety of traps available that attract moths with pheromones and result in them becoming stuck in glue.
4. Clean Up Clutter: Moths like to lay their eggs in inconspicuous places on your carpet. By cleaning up clutter on the floor, it makes it easier for you to see your carpets, so there are less inconspicuous places for them to live.
5. Store Off-Season Clothing Away: Off-season clothing, that are made of natural fibers, should be stored properly to prevent moths from getting into them. Make sure to store clothing in containers that are airtight and dry such as vacuum clothing bags.

Restore Your Rugs

After you ensure your house is free from carpet moths, you should focus your attention on your rugs. Here are some home remedies to bring them back to life and make them look as fresh as they were new.

1. Vacuuming: If you have a high-powered vacuum cleaner, this method can be extremely efficient in removing debris and other organic residuals. Before starting, ensure your device is not clogged nor full. Once you are positive there are no issues with your device, you can begin going over animal skins, crevices, rugs, carpets, and furs. Doing so will eliminate all of the residuals from larvae, eggs, and cocoons. Pay close attention to corners

And don’t forget to vacuum under furniture, rugs, beds, and cupboards. When you feel like you’ve cleaned to the best of your abilities, remember to throw away all of the debris accumulated in your vacuum cleaner and move to the next step.

1. Mix Baking Soda with Vinegar: Refreshing your carpets doesn’t have to be expensive. One of the best methods to do so is to combine baking soda and white vinegar. It will not only help you eradicate moths once and for all but will also help you remove those annoying spots and stains from your rugs and carpets. The two elements have natural antibacterial properties that can effectively remove and prevent odors. Sprinkle the surface of your carpet with baking soda and spread it with a brush. Leave it there for the entire night. After having vacuum cleaned it the next day, mix equal parts of water and vinegar and pour it in a spray container. Spray the mixture over the carpet generously. Don’t worry about the fizzing! It results from the reaction of vinegar to white powder, and it is a sign the treatment is being effective. Once you finish going through your carpet, let the mixture dry. Leave your windows open to dissipate the smell of vinegar.
2. Iron Your Carpet with a Damp Cloth: Grab some water and a cloth and preheat your iron in the meanwhile. Gently dampen your cloth and lay it where the stains left by the moths are. Bring your iron (now hot) over the damp cloth and place it there for a few seconds only. The high temperature of the iron will perk up your carpet’s fiber. The result will be a fresh and new looking rug. Do not place the iron directly onto the rug, as the high temperature will damage it.

Pro Carpet Steaming

Alternatively, you might also want to consider calling a local professional service for better results. Of course, your budget might be a limiting factor here. If you can afford to call a professional, do so. Your carpets will look as good as new, and you’ll save yourself the hassle of another infestation.

The Bottom Line & Prevention

After having dealt with carpet moths, your goal must be to maintain your carpets looking good and prevent re-infestations and other pests’ damage. To guarantee efficient protection against moths and pests in your home, air your house. Also, treat your rugs, furs, and animal skins appropriately, and store them accordingly. Most importantly, contact a local company and schedule regular inspections. Remember that spending a few dollars on prevention can save you considerable expenses on eradication! You can make use of the home remedies listed in this guide. However, if you want to get the best results and keep your home and carpets healthy, you should seek professional help.

FAQ

Q: How can I identify carpet moths in my home?

A: Carpet moths can be identified by their distinctive markings and behavior. Look out for cocoons in your home and strange patches on the edges and corners of your rugs, as these are common signs of their presence.

Q: What causes carpet moths?

A: Carpet moths are attracted to carpeting, rugs, and other keratin-rich materials. While they tend to be known for destroying carpets, their diet is not limited to carpets alone. They also feed on anything made of fur, silk, or feathers that contains keratin.

Q: Are carpet moths common in the UK?

A: Carpet moths are relatively rare in the UK. If your carpet is being attacked by moths in the UK, it is more likely to be common clothes moths causing the damage rather than carpet moths.

Q: How can I get rid of carpet moths?

A: To effectively get rid of carpet moths, it is best to call a professional pest control service. Vacuuming and washing your carpets may not be enough to eradicate them completely, as they reproduce quickly and their eggs can be challenging to remove.

Q: Can I use insecticides to kill carpet moth larvae?

A: Yes, you can use insecticides to kill carpet moth larvae. However, it is essential to follow the instructions carefully and take necessary precautions, keeping animals and children away from treated areas.

Q: How can I restore my rugs after dealing with carpet moths?

A: After eliminating carpet moths, you can use home remedies such as vacuuming, mixing baking soda with vinegar, and ironing your carpet with a damp cloth to restore your rugs and make them look fresh and new again.

Q: Should I hire a professional carpet steaming service?

A: Hiring a professional carpet steaming service can be a great option for better results. While it might involve additional costs, it will ensure that your carpets look as good as new and help you avoid another infestation.

Q: How can I prevent carpet moth infestations in the future?

A: To prevent carpet moth infestations, it is essential to air your house regularly, treat your rugs and animal skins properly, and store them in airtight and dry containers. Regular inspections by a local pest control company can also help catch any potential problems early on.

Q: Are there any natural remedies to remove carpet moth odors?

A: Yes, you can use a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar to remove carpet moth odors. Sprinkle baking soda on the surface of your carpet, spread it with a brush, and let it sit overnight. The next day, mix equal parts of water and vinegar and spray it over the carpet generously. The fizzing indicates the treatment is working, and once it dries, the odor will dissipate.

Q: Can I use moth traps to catch carpet moths?

A: Yes, there are moth traps available that attract moths with pheromones and trap them in glue strips. These traps can be effective in catching adult moths and preventing them from laying eggs in your carpets.