Clothes moths are small, pale, straw-coloured moths that avoid light, so you often see the damage before the moths themselves. In Birkdale, the warm, humid climate lets them breed through much of the year. The larvae do the damage, feeding on wool, silk, cashmere, fur and leather, as well as natural fibre rugs and upholstery. Irregular holes in jumpers, suits and blankets, and silky webbing or casings in wardrobes, are common signs.
The crew we book looks for the source, which is often a forgotten box of woollens, a rarely moved rug or the back corner of a wardrobe. Wardrobes, drawers, linen cupboards, rugs and the floor under heavy furniture are then treated, with attention to dark, undisturbed spots where larvae feed. Clothes moths are often carried in on second-hand wool rugs, vintage clothing or stored items brought home from a relative's house, so mention anything new that came in recently.
- Wardrobes and drawers
- Linen cupboards and blanket boxes
- Wool rugs and the floor beneath
- Stored clothing, suitcases and garment bags
Before the visit, empty wardrobes and drawers and wash or dry clean anything made of natural fibres, since heat and cleaning kill eggs and larvae. Items that cannot be washed can be sealed in a bag and frozen for a few days. Vacuum wardrobe floors, rug edges and under furniture, then empty the vacuum outside.
Store woollens clean, in sealed bags or tubs, and give wardrobes a regular airing. Pheromone traps are a handy way to check whether moths are still around afterwards. We give you the price for your Birkdale home before the visit. To book moth control, call 07 3543 7767.
