Carpet Moth Larvae Uk

The types of damage they cause.

Carpet moth larvae uk.

Signs that they are present. Friday august 12 2016 there are two species of carpet moth found in the uk. A steam cleaner will kills moths eggs and larvae. A carpet shampoo will pick up some of the eggs.

The most common clothes moths are the webbing clothes moth easily identified with a golden colour and around half an inch in length and the case bearing moth which can be identified about inch long and their forewings are mottled brown with one large and a few. And how to prevent monitor and treat infestations by these species in line with the legal requirements of the eu biocides. Their larvae are most likely to be found munching away underneath some of your bigger and heavier furniture that you rarely move to vacuum. Carpet moth eggs are so small you won t notice them but their larvae are easily identified due to the case they carry around which gives them their common name.

However they are likely to be under the carpet behind the skirting and under the floor as well as behind and under furniture so i really don t believe you can be rid of them without chemicals. Carpet moths inhabit less disturbed and darker areas behind sofas along skirting boards under bookcases are typical hiding places for carpet moth larvae. Neither species is as common indoors as it used to be as indoor temperatures tend to be too high for them these. Carpet moth larvae feed predominately on keratin found in natural fibres such as wool and so can live on any carpet with some wool content.

Adult case bearing carpet moth. Robert child and david pinniger two of the uk s foremost experts on pest management in the historic environment investigate carpet beetles and clothes moths considering the life cycles of these insect pests. Carpet moths and their larvae like warm humid environments. Regular vacuuming in these areas moving furniture and opening curtains in lesser used rooms will all help to create a less desirable environment for carpet moths to settle and cause.

They can come in on the fur of pets. A carpet moth infestation can be a costly problem as it can cause serious and often irreperable damage to carpets rugs and other soft furnishings in the home. Carpet moths typically live outdoors in bird nests or on animals but there are increasing cases of tinea pellionella being found in uk homes. This will remove any eggs which may be in or on your carpet as well as clean up any hair skin or food debris which the larvae need to survive.

The carpet moth is a common household textile pest. Alamy rather confusingly most of these moth species will sometimes switch from carpets to clothes and chew any natural fabrics like cotton wool and silk. How to identify carpet moths eggs and larvae.