WHAT IS A CLOTHES MOTH?
A number of species of moth will attack and damage textiles. But the common or webbing clothes moth is one of the most aggressive species and can be found across the world.
These moths are small – only 5-8mm long – and scuttle around, only flying when it is warm.
They do not like light and hide in dark areas, laying batches of eggs on warm on wool, fur, feathers and in carpets.
HOW DO THEY CAUSE DAMAGE?
The larvae that hatch from the eggs of the clothes moth spin silk webbing across the attacked material. They then begin to eat the fibres in the material, which causes holes in the clothes or loss of pile in patches on carpets.
There are plenty of things in our homes the clothes moth larvae to feast on. Clothes, furnishing and carpets.
HOW TO PREVENT A CLOTHES MOTH INFESTATION
Check for clothes moths in the crevices, creases and folds of clothing.
Make sure clothes are clean before storing them in vacuum bags or boxes with sealed tight lids
Take out items hanging up in wardrobes and shake them at least once a month – moths hate being disturbed.
Regularly vacuum around the bottom and edges of the wardrobes and any shelves.
Check underneath seats and cushions for signs of webbing or cases. Also check around piping, in deep buttons and in the seat or arm crevices.
After using your vacuum cleaner always empty the contents into a black plastic bin bag. Seal it up and dispose of it in an outside bin.