Moth Control in Your Home
Moths do not spread disease, but their larvae can cause serious damage to clothes, carpets, furs, leather and other fabrics. This damage can continue for weeks after the eggs hatch.
Forest Of Dean Pest Control provides a fast, convenient moth control service for homes across the Forest of Dean and nearby Gloucestershire areas.
Moth Control Service from Forest Of Dean Pest Control
- 24 hour response available.
- Appointment times that suit you.
- Friendly, knowledgeable local technician.
- Treatments designed to protect your family and pets.
- Fast, effective solutions for clothes, carpet and textile moths.
Call Office: 01594 528359 or Mobile: 07842 822522 to arrange a visit and deal with your moth problem quickly.
Why Moths Are a Problem
Adult moths are mainly a nuisance. The real damage comes from the larvae, which feed on natural fibres.
- They eat wool, silk, cashmere, fur, feathers and some leathers.
- They can damage carpets, rugs, clothing and soft furnishings.
- They often stay hidden so damage builds up before you notice them.
Small problems may respond to DIY sprays and traps. Established infestations usually need professional treatment.
Signs of a Moth Problem
You may have a moth problem if you notice one or more of the following.
- Adult moths in rooms, often crawling rather than flying.
- Small maggot like larvae on carpets, clothes or textiles.
- Silken tubes or cases that larvae live in.
- Silk cocoons or pupae where larvae turn into moths.
- Irregular or round holes in clothing, blankets or carpets.
Damage that looks similar can also come from fur beetles or carpet beetles. A professional inspection can confirm which insect is present.
Common Types of Moths in UK Homes
Common Clothes Moth
- Adult size around 6 to 8 mm long.
- Straw coloured wings with no markings.
- Creamy white larvae with a brown head, up to 10 mm long.
- Larvae bite irregular holes in fabrics.
Case Bearing Clothes Moth
- Often linked with imported animal fabrics.
- Adult size about 6 mm long.
- Dark buff colour with three faint spots on the wings.
- Creamy white larvae up to 10 mm long.
- Make more regular holes in fabric than common clothes moths.
Brown House Moth
- Adults 8 to 14 mm long.
- Brown wings with three or four darker spots.
- Larvae up to 20 mm, off white with brown head.
- Feed on many animal based textiles such as wool, leather and feathers.
White Shouldered House Moth
- Adults 6 to 10 mm long.
- White head and mottled wings.
- Larvae up to 12 mm, cream coloured with red brown head.
- Larvae scavenge on a wide range of foods.
- Less damaging to textiles than clothes moths or brown house moths.
Reduce moths entering your home
- Keep windows closed or use fly screens at night when lights are on.
- Draw curtains in the evening to reduce light that attracts moths.
Store textiles correctly
- Clean clothes before storing them for long periods.
- Use sealed plastic bags or suitcases for rarely used textiles.
- Pay extra attention to wool, silk, cashmere, furs and other natural fibres.
Keep at risk areas clean
- Vacuum under beds, behind furniture and in spare rooms.
- Regularly clean the edges of carpets and under skirting boards.
- Clear out wardrobes and cupboards so they are not left undisturbed for long periods.
- Check loft areas, especially if birds nest in the eaves of the house.
Regular vacuuming helps remove eggs before they hatch. This is important if you have had moths in the past or notice more moth activity than usual.
Professional Moth Control
DIY sprays and traps can help with small, localised problems. For larger or repeated infestations, a professional pest control service is recommended.
Forest Of Dean Pest Control uses a range of effective insecticides and eco friendly products. Treatments target both adult moths and larvae and are chosen to be safe for people and pets when used correctly.
- Survey to confirm the type of moth and level of infestation.
- Treatment of affected carpets, wardrobes, cupboards and lofts.
- Advice on cleaning, storage and proofing to prevent problems returning.
Contact Forest Of Dean Pest Control
If you notice moth damage on clothes, carpets or soft furnishings, act early. This can save you money on replacement items.
Advice costs nothing, and our local technicians are ready to help with any moth problem in the Forest of Dean area.
