Moths

Moth problems in homes generally fall into two categories: clothes moths and food moths. Both are caused by larvae rather than the adult moths themselves, which are often small and easily overlooked.

Clothes moths damage wool, silk, fur, and other natural fibres, leaving irregular holes in garments, carpets, and upholstery. Food moths infest pantries, feeding on dried goods such as flour, cereals, and nuts.

Signs of a clothes moth infestation include silken tubes or cases, bare patches in carpets, and small holes in stored clothing. Food moth infestations are often spotted by webbing in cupboards and larvae in opened packets.

Treatment

For common clothes moths (Tineola bisselliella), we treat moth infestations by applying a water-based chemical spray to affected areas such as carpets, inside wardrobes, drawers, and other harbourages where larvae and eggs may be present. In addition to treatment, we provide advice on prevention methods—such as regular vacuuming, storing clothes in sealed bags or containers, and promptly cleaning up food spills—to help stop future infestations.

We also treat stored product (food) moths by carefully inspecting affected cupboards, containers, and food items, removing and disposing of infested products, and applying an insecticidal spray to pantry surfaces, shelving, cracks, and crevices where moth eggs and larvae may be hiding.

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