At My Handyman Services we know, that regrettably, certain moth species can cause significant and unsightly damage to clothing, carpets, and other household or office items. It’s essential to act promptly upon spotting any signs of moth presence.
Typically, the first sign of a moth infestation is damage to clothes, fabrics, or carpets, but there are other indicators to watch for:
- Moth caterpillars resemble small, maggot-like larvae.
- Look for silken tubes or cases where moth larvae reside.
- Pupae, or silk cocoons, are where moths transition from larvae.
- Adult moths often crawl more than they fly.
- It’s not the moths that eat fabric, but their larvae, which are the real culprits of damage as they seek to reproduce.
In the UK, there are four common types of household moths, each with distinct preferences for materials, leading to slightly different types of damage:
- Common clothes moth larvae create irregular holes in fabrics.
- Case-bearing clothes moth larvae tend to leave smaller, more uniform holes in garments.
- Brown house moth larvae have a preference for animal-based materials like feathers and leather.
- White-shouldered house moth larvae, being less picky eaters, are generally less harmful to textiles.
Here are some expert tips to help keep your home free from moths…
Turn off radiators as soon as possible and open all the windows regularly to allow air to circulate.
Beware Bargains
Our national love of online deals or charity shop bargains could be contributing to the problem, as old furniture, clothes and upholstery can contain moths, or their larvae — recognisable as inch-long, silvery threads.
Keep all second-hand fabrics in sealed plastic bags until they’ve been thoroughly washed or dry-cleaned.
Shake Off
The moth life cycle is around three weeks, so if you shake out your clothing in the daylight once or twice a month, you’ll disturb them and dislodge their larvae.
Don’t ignore upholstery and furnishings either — rugs and cushions can harbour eggs, so if you suspect a moth invasion, give them a good beating and hang them on the washing line in the sun.
Deep Clean
A powerful vacuum can shift eggs from fibres, but you’ll need to remove the collected dust or hoover bags from the house immediately, or, having hatched inside the machine and merrily feast on the dust, they’ll simply fly out again, note London House Cleaners. Change vacuum bags often if you want a moth free home.
It’s vital to vacuum regularly under beds, carpets and behind radiators too, to prevent moths settling in.
Boil Wash
The biggest draw for a hungry moth is stained clothing. Sweat, dried-in food particles and oil from make-up or hair products are like a delicious buffet for moths, so if you’re tempted to skimp on dry cleaning, you’re asking for trouble.
It’s vital to clean your clothes thoroughly before storing them. And when you wash items yourself, make sure the water is above 48 degrees centigrade — and the wash programme lasts for at least half an hour — to be certain that every stage of the insect’s life cycle has been killed off as this will help keep a moth free home.
Seal & Store
Once clean, the simplest moth-proof way to store clothes such as coats and suits is in sealed plastic storage bags.
When it comes to caring for very pricey items, such as cashmere and pure silk, wrap your washed cashmere in acid-free tissue or put it in breathable bags.
You can also try freezing garments that can’t be washed. Wrap them in plastic and freeze them for at least 12 hours, to kill off the eggs and larvae.
Mothball to the Max
The obvious solution, popular with the Victorians and famed for their eye-wateringly unpleasant smell, contain the moth-repelling chemicals naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene and release other noxious vapours which slowly kill insects.
But unless the area is sealed, the fumes can be too weak to kill sturdy adult moths, and will also make everything you wear smell like an elderly great-aunt. The scent is almost impossible to remove, too, and the balls are poisonous.
Go Natural
Cedar balls are an increasingly popular natural deterrent. On the downside, although small eggs and larvae will die off, adult moths can become immune to the smell — plus the cedar’s properties fade after a few months.
Go Professioanl
If all else fails . . .Call in experts for a heat treatment service and have specialists deal with it.
In conclusion,
Understanding the habits and preferences of different moth species is key to protecting your garments, carpets, and other valuable items from damage. By staying vigilant for signs of infestation and following these expert tips, you can effectively safeguard your home or office against these unassuming yet potentially destructive pests. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to moth damage. Stay informed and proactive to keep your spaces moth-free.
