Clothes Moths

Where are they found?

Because these moths are weak flyers and not attracted to light, you can find them close to the infested items, such as in dark areas of closets.

The larva is the damaging stage of the clothes moth and feeds on:

• wool clothing
• carpets
• rugs
• upholstered furniture
• furs
• stored wool
• animal bristles in brushes
• wool felts in pianos
• fish meal in fish food
  cotton, when blended with wool

Signs of clothes moths damages

Damage usually appears in hidden areas of your clothes such as:

• under collars
• under cuffs
• in crevices of upholstered furniture
• in carpet areas covered by furniture
• in fabrics with food stains, perspiration, or urine

Treatments for moths

You will have to leave your property during the treatment and return at least three hours later.

Treatments typically involve:

• two visits, two weeks apart
  treating all affected rooms
• an advice sheet with information about the insecticide used, where we have placed it
• taking measures to protect children and pets

Preparing your property for moth treatment

We may not be able to treat your property if you do not carry out the following preparations:

• vacuum the whole house, especially areas where you have seen damages such as baseboards, cracks and crevices – dispose of the bag immediately after vacuuming
• dry clean or launder items in hot water at more than 60 degrees Celsius for 20 to 30 minutes
• put washed or dry-cleaned clothes in a sealed plastic bag
• move wardrobes, cupboards, and beds away from the walls
• unplug all non-essential electrical items

The above steps will also need to be repeated for the second visit.

Controlling a clothes moth infestation yourself

Clothes moths may hide on woollen garments or scraps stored for long periods. To prevent clothes moths, ensure your clothes are:

• stored properly sealed if unused for long periods
• periodically hung in the sun
• brushed along the seams, in folds and pockets

Brushing destroys eggs and exposes larvae. Larvae are strongly repelled by light and will fall from clothing when they cannot find protection.