Common Clothes Moths

Clothes Moths Killer Cassettes

Finding the Source of a Clothes Moth Infestation

The most important step in resolving a clothes moth infestation is finding where the larvae are actively feeding. Adult moths are visible and often caught by pheromone traps, but adult moths do not cause the damage — the larvae do. Without finding and treating the source, adult moth numbers will reduce temporarily but the infestation will return from new larvae hatching.

Check the following locations carefully, moving furniture and lifting carpet edges:

• Fitted carpets along skirting boards — larvae accumulate in areas the hoover cannot reach, particularly in dark corners and under heavy furniture that rarely moves
• Under and behind sofas and armchairs — especially those with wool or natural fabric upholstery
• Inside wardrobes — particularly in the corners, behind hanging garments, and in stored woolen items
• Stored natural fibre items — wool blankets, cashmere jumpers, silk scarves, or furs stored in bags, boxes, or at the back of wardrobes
• Behind radiators — warm, dark, and rarely disturbed: ideal larval habitat
• Bird nests — an active bird nest in the roof or eaves can introduce clothes moths into the building, as nesting material contains feathers and wool fibres

Once the source is found, vacuum thoroughly (dispose of the hoover bag immediately), wash affected items at 60°C or dry-clean them, and treat the area with a residual insecticide. For larger or persistent infestations, professional treatment with specialist insecticide applied to floor voids and skirting boards achieves better results than surface spraying alone. See our professional moth treatment service for more information.