Small holes in a jumper, a pale moth fluttering low in the bedroom or silky tracks on the carpet edge. We trace the source and treat the areas where the larvae are feeding.
When people talk about moths in the house they usually mean the clothes moth, a small buff-coloured insect that avoids light and tends to flutter near wardrobes rather than around lamps. A common surprise is that the adults do not eat anything. The damage is done by the larvae, which feed on wool, fur, feathers, silk and other natural fibres. Moths are often blamed for damage caused by something else, so a proper identification is worth having.
Because the larvae are small and live out of sight, the first clue is often a hole in a favourite garment or a bare patch in the carpet. Typical breeding sites include undisturbed wardrobes, the underside of rugs, spaces beneath furniture and stored textiles that have not been worn or cleaned for a long time. Dust, pet hair and food residue can help them along. Warmer homes and fitted carpets with plenty of undisturbed edges give larvae a long breeding season.
Effective moth removal means finding where the larvae are living, not just catching adult moths. We inspect clothing storage, carpets and soft furnishings, treat the affected areas and talk you through washing, freezing and storage options for items that cannot be treated chemically. We deal with moth problems in homes, rented flats, shops and premises holding textiles. Tackling it room by room, rather than one wardrobe at a time, avoids moths simply moving next door.
We look through wardrobes, drawers, carpets and upholstery for larvae and damage.
We work out which areas are active and which are only old damage.
We treat carpets, edges and storage areas with products suited to the fabrics.
We advise on washing, freezing or sealing items that need protecting.
We suggest monitoring and a follow-up visit where activity may continue.
No. Adult clothes moths do not feed. The damage is caused by their larvae, which eat natural fibres such as wool and silk. Seeing adults is still a warning sign, because they are probably laying eggs somewhere nearby.
Often yes. Washing at a temperature the fabric allows, or freezing sealed items for a sustained period, can kill larvae and eggs. Dry cleaning also works. Items with holes will stay damaged, but you can stop any further spread.
They cause similar damage but are different insects. Moth larvae spin silky tubes, while carpet beetle larvae are small and bristly. An inspection can tell them apart, which matters because the treatment and advice differ slightly.
It depends on the size of the property, how many rooms or storage areas are involved, how long the activity has gone on and how many visits are needed. We give a free quote, so call 0113 347 0014 or message us.
A general walk-through of how a household clothes moth job usually runs, shown beside an illustrative image.
Read the walk-through →Six guides, from identification to what it costs.
Not every moth in the house eats fabric. Learn to recognise the small, pale species that do, what their larvae and damage look like and where they tend to hide.
Read the advice →Killing the odd flying moth does not save your woollens. To get rid of clothes moths you have to find the larvae, clean everything they can feed on and treat the places they hide.
Read the advice →Moth treatment is not a fixed-price job, because it depends on where the larvae are and how far they have spread. This guide explains what influences the cost and how to compare quotes.
Read the advice →Clothes moths do their harm quietly and out of sight. Knowing the signs helps you catch them before a favourite jumper or a valuable rug is ruined.
Read the advice →Clothes moths settle where fabric is left undisturbed and slightly soiled. A handful of storage habits and a regular clean make your home a much poorer place for them.
Read the advice →Washing, freezing and vacuuming solve many small moth problems. When moths keep returning or reach carpets and the roof space, a professional survey is usually the quicker route.
Read the advice →Choose your town for local information.
Fantastic service. Great communication and immediate response.Alison14 September 2020
Thanks to everyone involved from initial phone call to job completion. Prompt service, polite and job completed within 1/2 hour. Would definitely use you again if ever needed. Thanks once again Bev GreenwoodBev Greenwood11 September 2018
Prompt,pleasant and knowledgeable staff member carried out the removal of 3 wasp infestation in 3 adjoining properties. He explained every step of the process. Very good value compaired to other quotes. JanetJanet Walsh11 September 2018
Tell us what you have seen and where, and we will come back to you. There are no call-out charges and surveys are free for homes and businesses.
