What Signs Indicate a Moth Infestation in Your Home?

Moths, with their delicate wings and nocturnal habits, may seem like harmless creatures. However, as experienced moth control specialists in London, we’ve witnessed several moth species pose a significant threat to homeowners’ textiles and stored food products.
Understanding the different types of moths, the signs of their presence, and the appropriate course of action is crucial for protecting your belongings.

Different Species of Moths Infesting London Homes

There are about 2,500 species of moths in the UK — however, these are the types that most commonly infest homes in London.

Common Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella): This small, buff-coloured moth is the most frequent culprit behind clothing damage. They target natural fibres like wool, cashmere, and silk, laying eggs on fabrics where larvae hatch and feed on the material.
Carpet Moth, a.k.a. Tapestry Moth (Trichophaga tapetzella): These moths are distinguished by the silken casings larvae construct around themselves as they feed. They typically target items like upholstered furniture, rugs, and stored clothing.
Indian Meal Moth (Plodia interpunctella): This pantry pest thrives on dry food items like grains, cereals, nuts, and dried fruits. They leave behind webbing in storage areas and contaminate food with their larvae.
White-shouldered House Moth (Endrosis sarcitrella): While less common, these moths can infest stored grains, pet food, and birdseed.

Check also: Are Moths Really Attracted to Light?

Signs of a Moth Infestation

Moths are persistent pests that can cause significant damage to your belongings. Identifying the early signs of a moth infestation is crucial for adequate control. Here’s how to determine the type of moth infesting your home:

Signs of Clothes Moths

Clothes moths are the most common household pest, feeding on natural fibres like wool, cashmere, and silk. There are several signs to look out for:

Damaged fabrics: Irregular holes in clothing, particularly in seams, folds, and underneath buttons, are a tell-tale sign of clothes moth activity.
Silken casings: Tiny, silken tubes or casings shed by moth larvae as they grow, clinging to clothes or lurking in wardrobes and drawers.
Shedding: Excessive shedding from furs without apparent cause.
Live Moths: Adult clothes moths, usually small, brown or buff-coloured, crawling on clothing, are a strong indicator of an infestation.

Signs of Carpet Moths

Carpet moths are less common but can still cause damage to carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture. Signs include:

Damage in carpets and furniture: Look for small, bare patches and tiny, irregular holes on carpets and upholstery, particularly in items made from wool, silk, and other fibres of animal origin.
Larvae and castings: Silken casings or larvae visible around the edges of carpets or beneath furniture.
Moth sightings: Adult carpet moths, often tiny and brown, crawling on surfaces.
Excrement: Dark, dust-like excrement on carpets or furniture.

Check also: Why Your Carpet-Free Home Isn’t Safe From Moths?

Signs of Pantry Moths

Pantry moths infest stored dry food items like grains, cereals, dried fruits, and even pet food. Look for these signs:

Infested food: Webbing tangled within food packages, also on the pantry shelves and corners of the cupboards.
Damage to packaging: Small holes in food packaging.
Larvae: Small white worms crawling in your food containers are often moth larvae.
Adult Moths: Seeing moths fluttering around your kitchen or pantry.

What to Do If You Find Signs of Moths

If you suspect a moth infestation, act swiftly to prevent further damage. Here’s what you can do:

Isolate the infestation: Wash potentially infested clothes in hot water (above 50°C for one hour or longer) to kill any eggs or larvae. Store clean clothes in sealed plastic bags. Discard infested food items and thoroughly clean your pantry or wardrobe.
Thorough cleaning: Vacuum your carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture, paying close attention to areas where moths might hide. After use, dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag or canister outside.
Freezing: Place infested clothes or small fabric items in tightly sealed plastic bags and freeze them for at least 48 hours to kill moth eggs or larvae.

Remember: Seeing a single moth often points to a significant infestation. If you suspect any of these signs, you must take immediate action to prevent further damage to your belongings.

When to Call in the Professionals?

If your moth problem persists despite your best efforts, you might be dealing with a large infestation. Don’t hesitate to call professional help! Moth Exterminator London has the expertise and resources to effectively eliminate moth infestations in your home. We employ a range of targeted treatments, including professional-grade moth heat treatment and fumigation and steam moth control, to ensure complete eradication and protect your belongings. Don’t let these pests wreak havoc in your home! Contact Moth Exterminator London today for a free quote and a moth-free future!