Carpet moths are a real nuisance in homes across Britain. Although tiny, these pests can cause significant damage to carpets, rugs, household fabrics and other natural fibres.
As pest control experts, our team regularly identify and deal with carpet moth infestations across Enfield, Haringey and the surrounding areas in North London. Here’s everything you need to know about dealing with these destructive insects.
What Exactly Are Carpet Moths?
Carpet moths (Trichophaga tapetzella) , are small insects that belong to the same family as clothes moths. They can be hard to spot because they’re usually light brown in colour, with subtle markings, so they blend into fabrics and flooring.
They’re most commonly found in summer months; however, with the advancements in insulation and central heating, moth infestations can now occur all year round.
It’s actually not adult moths that cause damage: it’s their larvae. Female moths lay eggs in quiet, dark places, and when the larvae hatch, they feed on animal skin, bird nests, pellets, fur, clothing and floor and furniture covering made of animal skin. Frequent sightings of moths are usually a sign of an established infestation.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Them
Carpet moths aren’t just a pain; when left unchecked, they can wreak havoc on expensive flooring and soft furnishings. It’s therefore crucial to take action if you suspect an issue. Furthermore, the sooner you spot a moth infestation, the better chance of preventing serious damage.
Signs of Carpet Moths in Your Home
Here are the most common signs that carpet moths are active:
- Bald patches on carpets or rugs. These tend to occur near skirting boards, under furniture, or in low-traffic areas where moths feel undisturbed.
- Frayed or thinning fabric. Moth larvae feed by chewing through fibres, leaving fabric weak and threadbare.
- Tiny white eggs. Moth eggs are small and oval. Like the moths themselves, they’re hard to spot since they’re often laid in dark, hidden corners.
- Crawling larvae, which appear like creamy-white caterpillars with brown heads and can be found near infested areas.
- Shed larval cases. These are the outer casings left behind as larvae pupate into adult moths.
- Small adult moths. You might see them fluttering near carpets or flying away when you lift a rug.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly. A female moth can lay up to 200 eggs in her short lifespan, so infestations can spread fast!
What’s the Difference Between the Carpet Moth and the Clothes Moth
Although similar, there are a few distinct differences between the carpet moth and clothes moth. The Clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) is also known as the Common Clothes Moth. As their name suggests, these moths tend to eat through clothes instead of carpets, but both species eat these natural fibres for the keratin.
Clothes moths like to frequent wardrobes and drawers. They feed on wool, silk, and other natural fibres found in clothing and linens. Clothes moths are between 5 and 7mm in size and golden-brown in colour.
Carpet moths are light-brown in colour, often mottled on their wings, with three distinct dots on the forewings and smaller, lighter hindwings. Carpet moths prefer flooring and upholstery, especially if it’s made from natural materials. They’re more likely to be found around undisturbed areas such as under furniture, along skirting boards, or in corners of rooms. These carpet moths will generally hop around on the floor and are rarely seen flying.
However, the methods of preventing and controlling carpet and clothes moths are similar.
What Do Carpet Moths Feed On?
Carpet moth larvae feed on keratin, a protein found in natural animal fibres. Their preferred meals include:
- Wool
- Silk
- Fur
- Feathers
- Leather
They avoid synthetic materials unless those are blended with natural fibres or contaminated with food or sweat.
Because they tend to favour undisturbed, dark areas, infestations often go unnoticed until visible damage occurs. Regular vacuuming and cleaning can help prevent them from settling in, but once larvae are active, stronger measures are usually needed.
How to Get Rid of Carpet Moths
Dealing with a carpet moth infestation requires a thorough and methodical approach. Here’s what we recommend:
- Deep Clean the Area
Vacuum thoroughly—especially around skirting boards, under furniture, and in corners.
Dispose of vacuum bags or empty canisters outside to avoid re-infestation.
Steam clean carpets where possible to kill eggs and larvae.
- Use Moth-Killing Sprays and Powders
There are specific insecticides available that target carpet moths at all stages of their life cycle. Although, it’s likely to take more than a few treatments with over the counter products. Always follow the instructions, wear gloves, and keep pets and children away during treatment.
- Apply Moth Traps
Pheromone traps attract and trap adult male moths, disrupting the breeding cycle. These are useful for monitoring infestation levels and should be replaced regularly.
- Call the Professionals
Although the above DIY methods can help in mild cases, if the infestation is widespread or keeps coming back, professional pest control is your best bet.
At Sparta Pest Control, we use safe, effective treatments tailored to your home. We’ll assess the infestation, treat affected areas, and give expert advice on how to prevent future problems.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once you’ve dealt with carpet moths, keeping them away should be a priority. Here’s how:
- Vacuum regularly, especially around the edges and under furniture.
- Keep your home well-ventilated and avoid excessive humidity.
- Clean up spills and pet hair as quickly as possible.
- Store textiles and clothing in airtight containers.
- Rotate furniture and rugs to expose hidden areas to light and activity.
Need Help with Carpet Moths?
Don’t let carpet moths creep up on you, and damage your home. If you’re seeing signs of an infestation, contact Sparta Pest Control today. We offer expert carpet moth treatments across Enfield, Haringey and surrounding areas in North London with a friendly, professional service you can rely on.
