Do Moths Nest Inside Wall Cavities?

We’ve witnessed firsthand that moth infestations in London homes are a growing concern in recent years. And there’s a surprising reason for some of the most persistent ones. Wool insulation is used quite often in many properties, especially heritage houses, but not only. This material is a popular choice even for contemporary buildings because of its eco-friendly benefits. But did you know that wool insulation can become a breeding ground for a persistent pest: the clothes moth? While the idea of moths nesting inside walls might sound unusual, it’s a real case for many of our clients.

Here at Moth Exterminator UK, we’ve tackled countless infestations, and we’re here to share our experience with this hidden threat. Here’s what you should know about clothes moths nesting in wall cavities.

Read also: How Do Moths Come into the House?

Clothes moths, particularly the webbing and case-bearing varieties, are drawn to protein fibres – like the wool in your wall insulation. These moths thrive in dark, undisturbed environments – precisely what wall cavities offer. The adult female lays eggs hidden within crevices or directly on the insulation. It’s easy to miss the tiny moth eggs even when they are in more accessible areas. However, when they are hidden in the wall crevices, it’s guaranteed the eggs go undetected. Once the eggs have hatched, the larvae start feasting on the wool insulation and any suitable material nearby.

The moth activity can remain concealed behind the walls for considerable periods, allowing the infestation to escalate. By the time you notice damage to clothes, upholstery or other textile items, indicating prior larval feeding, or see adult moths fluttering around, the infestation might already be out of control.

Check also: Why Moths Eat Clothes?

While wall cavities are often the starting point, moths can lurk in other surprising nooks and crannies. Pet fur, dust, and hairs accumulate in hard-to-reach areas between walls and heavy furnishings, such as bookcases, sofas, and even within the furniture crevices. These inconspicuous spots can become breeding grounds for clothes moths because they are detritivores feeding on keratin-rich materials like pet and human hair. As evidenced by the numerous infestations we’ve tackled, these hidden locations near the walls provide both a hiding place and a food source for moths.

Read also: Moths in Unexpected Places: Why Your Carpet-Free Home Isn’t Safe?

While wool has excellent insulating properties, its susceptibility to moths raises concerns — and rightfully so! Nowadays, wool insulation often lacks the potent insecticides treatment used in the past due to health considerations. While some chemical treatments do exist, they are not entirely safe for some pets, like cats and fish. Additionally, borax, another wool-treating option, loses its effectiveness when exposed to moisture. Sadly, even treated wool can succumb to severe moth infestations, leading to stress and financial losses.
The biggest hurdle in combating clothes moth infestations in walls is their invisibility and limited accessibility. This poses a real challenge for heritage homes with their existing wool insulations because replacing the material can be difficult. However, if you are building a new home or renovating a contemporary building and plan to use wool insulation, make sure to research different brands and their moth-proofing methods.

Here are some key indicators that clothes moths might be infesting your walls:

• Damaged clothes and fabrics: Look for irregular holes or frayed edges in wool or other natural fibre products, suggesting past larval activity.
• Live larvae or cases: While rare, silk-like cases left behind by larvae might be visible in areas where they’ve been feeding.
• Adult moths: Although more difficult to detect within the walls, seeing adult moths inside your living space, especially in bathrooms and toilets, is a warning sign of a potentially more severe issue nearby.
• Dust and dirt: Accumulated dust or fibres near cracks or openings in walls could indicate moth activity, especially if it resembles fabric fibres.

Check also: How to Recognise the Signs of a Moth Infestation in Your Home?

If you’ve tried everything – replacing wool carpets, properly storing wool items, using mothballs and traps, freezing items, and deep cleaning – yet still see moths flying around, the infestation might be more severe than you think. Even after exhaustive efforts, persistent moth activity could indicate a hidden problem, such as an infestation within your walls, under your roof or floors. In such cases, it’s time to consult a professional exterminator.

Read also: How to Get Rid of Moths?

If you live in a home with wool insulation, you should stay alert and take some specific steps to prevent infestations:

• Regular inspections: At least once a month, check your wool insulation and any fabric items stored near walls for signs of moth activity. Extend this inspection to your attic and behind furniture.
• Minimise the use of wool: If possible, consider replacing wool insulation with synthetic alternatives that are less attractive to moths. Additionally, ensure proper storage for any existing wool items, such as blankets, seasonal coats, or yarn for knitting and felting projects.
• Seal up all potential entry points: Sealing cracks and crevices in walls minimises moth access to hidden nesting sites and deters other pests.
• Moth traps and repellents: Strategically placed pheromone traps can help monitor and catch adult moths before they lay eggs. Consider using essential oils and herbal repellents in wardrobes and cabinets, but remember to replace them regularly as their effectiveness diminishes.
• Seek professional help: If you suspect a clothes moth infestation, don’t wait until the situation spirals out of control. Call pest control specialists like Moth Exterminator UK for a thorough inspection and treatment plan, especially if you have wool insulation.

Check also: Which Scents Keeps Clothes Moths Away?

Unlike many moth species, the clothes moth population is thriving. Clothes moth infestations in wall cavities are often overlooked, so if your home has natural insulation, be vigilant. Take preventative measures to protect your home from these pests. If you’re already dealing with an infestation, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll assess the situation and recommend a tailored moth extermination solution. We offer various moth treatment options that are highly effective against clothes moths at all life stages. The professional heat treatment kills even the eggs, which makes it ideal for large infestations.