Carpet Moths: how to get rid of carpet moths

September 3, 2024

What Are Carpet Moths?

Carpet moths, also known as clothes moths or carpet beetles, are small insects that are notorious for infesting and damaging natural fibres such as wool and silk. The larvae of these moths are particularly destructive as they feed on keratin, a protein found in these fibres. This feeding behaviour can lead to holes and damage in carpets, clothing, upholstery, and other items made from natural fibres.

Carpet moths prefer dark, undisturbed areas where they can lay eggs and thrive unnoticed. Effective pest control measures often include thorough cleaning, vacuuming, professional steam cleaning and, in severe cases, the use of insecticides to eliminate both the larvae and adult moths.

Why Do Carpet Moths Infest Carpet?

Carpet moths infest carpets primarily because carpets and rugs are made from natural fibres such as wool or silk, which contain keratin. Keratin is a protein that serves as a food source for carpet moth larvae. Here are the main reasons why carpet moths infest carpets:

Food Source: Carpet moth larvae feed on keratin, which is abundant in natural fibers like wool and silk. These fibers provide an ideal environment and nutrition for the larvae to thrive and grow.
Dark, Undisturbed Areas: Carpet moths prefer to lay their eggs in dark, undisturbed areas where carpets are often placed, such as under furniture or in corners. These areas provide protection and a suitable environment for the eggs to hatch and larvae to feed.
Warmth and Humidity: Carpets often retain warmth and can accumulate dust and debris, which provide additional nutrients for moth larvae. Warm and humid environments further promote the growth and development of carpet moths.
Access to Fibers: Carpets offer easy access for adult moths to lay their eggs directly onto the fibers. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae can immediately begin feeding on the carpet material.
Lack of Disturbance: Carpets are usually not disturbed frequently, allowing carpet moths to establish and sustain their populations without interference.

To prevent carpet moths from infesting carpets, it’s important to have them professionally cleaned yearly, vacuum weekly, and check for signs of infestation, such as small holes or larvae.

How To Get Rid Of Carpet Moths?

Getting rid of carpet moths can be challenging, but if you tackle them quickly using the right steps, you can get rid of them quickly:

Identify the Infestation: Inspect your carpets and other woollen items for signs of carpet moths, such as small holes, silken webs, or larvae crawling on the surface.
Vacuum Thoroughly: Vacuum all affected areas thoroughly, paying attention to corners, edges, and under furniture where moths and larvae tend to hide. Dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately afterwards to prevent any larvae from escaping.
Steam Clean: This method is highly effective. Use hot water extraction (steam cleaning) to clean the carpets. The high temperature and mechanical action can help kill adult moths, larvae, and eggs in the upper layers of the carpet fibres.
Wash and Freeze Infested Items: If possible, wash woollen clothing, blankets, or other items in hot water (at least 50°C) to kill moth larvae and eggs. Alternatively, freeze these items for several days to kill any remaining larvae or eggs.
Use Moth Repellents: After cleaning and treating carpets and items, use moth repellents such as cedar balls, lavender sachets, or moth traps to deter future infestations. We recommend Kiwicare Clothes Moth Non-Chemical Traps.
Monitor and Repeat: After following the above recommendations, monitor your carpets for signs of re-infestation. If necessary, repeat vacuuming and steam cleaning.
Apply Insecticide: Use a suitable insecticide that is labelled for carpet moths. Follow the instructions carefully, especially regarding application methods and safety precautions. Treat the entire carpet, focusing on areas where moths are most likely to lay eggs and larvae are most concentrated. ADVICE: Spruce recommends using a pest control company instead because pesticides are highly harmful.
Pest Control: For severe infestations or persistent problems, consider seeking help from a professional pest control service. They have the expertise and specialised treatments to eliminate carpet moths effectively.

By taking these steps promptly and thoroughly, you can significantly reduce and eliminate carpet moths from your home. Preventive measures such as regular cleaning, vacuuming, and yearly carpet steam cleaning can also help prevent future infestations.

Does Professional Carpet Cleaning Get Rid Of Carpet Moths?

Hot water extraction, also known as steam cleaning, can help in removing carpet moth infestations, but it may not completely get rid of them on its own. Here’s how hot water extraction affects carpet moths:

Heat: The high temperature of the water used in steam cleaning can kill adult moths, larvae, and eggs present in the upper layers of the carpet fibers.
Mechanical Action: The agitation and suction during steam cleaning can physically remove adult moths, larvae, and eggs from the carpet.
Pre-Spray Treatment: Many steam cleaning processes involve the use of detergents or cleaning solutions that can further help in dislodging and removing moth larvae and eggs.

However, there are limitations to hot water extraction when it comes to eliminating carpet moths completely:

Deep Penetration: Steam cleaning may not penetrate deep into the carpet fibers where moth larvae and eggs could be hiding. If the infestation is extensive, larvae and eggs in deeper layers of the carpet may survive.
Effectiveness: While steam cleaning can kill and remove some stages of carpet moths, it may not be sufficient for severe infestations where larvae and eggs are widespread throughout the carpet.

To effectively get rid of carpet moths, especially in cases of significant infestation, it’s often recommended to combine steam cleaning with other pest control methods.

Regular cleaning, vacuuming, and maintaining cleanliness can also help prevent carpet moths from infesting carpets in the first place.

Conclusion

Carpet moths pose a significant threat to carpets and other natural fibre items due to their larvae’ appetite for keratin. Infestations typically thrive in dark, undisturbed environments where they can feed on wool and silk. Effective control measures include regular vacuuming and yearly carpet steam cleaning to prevent infestation in the first place.

Homeowners should promptly address carpet moth issues and implement preventive strategies to safeguard their carpets and belongings from damage.

Spruce has years of experience removing carpet moths from client’s homes! If you would like to book a professional carpet steam cleaning to help remove carpet moths or would like some more advice, please contact us.