- Risk level
- Low
- Peak season
- Spring & summer
- Where you’ll find them
- Wardrobes, carpets, pantries
- DIY?
- Partial
Overview
It’s the larvae, not the adult moths, that do the damage. Clothes moth larvae feed on wool, silk, fur and carpet; pantry moth larvae infest flour, cereals, nuts and pet food.
How to identify moths
Webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella)
Small, golden-buff moth that avoids light. Larvae eat natural fibres in dark wardrobes and under furniture.
Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella)
Pantry moth with two-tone wings (pale at the front, coppery at the back). Larvae spin silk webbing in food.
Signs you have a problem
- Irregular holes in woollen jumpers, suits and rugs
- Silky webbing or clumps in flour, rice, cereal or pet food
- Small moths fluttering in the pantry or wardrobe
Why it matters
- Damage to clothing, rugs and upholstery
- Contaminated food that must be thrown out
How we treat moths
- 1
Find the source
Infested food or fabric is located and removed — this is the most important step.
- 2
Targeted treatment
Wardrobes, carpets edges and pantry shelving are treated, with pheromone monitoring traps where useful.
Prevention tips you can do today
- Store dry goods in airtight containers
- Clean woollens before storing them, and store in sealed bags
- Vacuum under furniture and along carpet edges regularly