Textile Insect Control

The most well-known sign of moths present in a property is the appearance of holes in clothes, carpets and fabrics. This is a result of moth larvae, or caterpillars, which often feed on natural fibres, especially those which will provide them with the keratin they require for growth. These materials include silk, leather, feathers, fur and wool.
Further signs of a moth infestation include the presence of small tubes, or ‘cases’, in which larvae grow and hide. These can often be found discarded in areas such as wardrobes. These are not to be confused with pupae, another type of silken case, in which larvae develop into adult moths.
Of course, the presence of adult moths themselves, especially in large numbers, is the strongest indicator of an infestation. Clothes moths are often seen crawling rather than flying.

Proper storage is an excellent way to prevent moth damage to clothes. Clothes must be stored in an airtight manner which does not allow for the growth of mould or mildew.
In addition to this, moths can be repelled to a certain extent by the presence of strong smells in their preferred habitats. These smells can include cedar, or peppermint, for example. This only works to a certain extent.
In order to ensure the removal of moths from your property, it is best to contact a pest control professional, who will evaluate the situation at hand, and employ an effective solution.

Clothes moths are drawn to the natural fibres present in clothes, especially those made from leather, wool, silk, and fur. Though adult moths have little use for this, it is the perfect environment for moth eggs and larvae, who feed on these materials.
In addition to this, clothes moths are drawn to dark, enclosed spaces. These factors easily explain why clothes moths are so commonly found in wardrobes.

Small bugs present in carpets, or textiles around the home are often carpet beetles. Carpet beetles themselves are oval in shape, and dark in colour, often with a mottled pattern of grey or ivory on their back. They are typically 25mm in size. Carpet beetles are often accompanied by larvae, which are a reddish-brown to tan colour, elongated in shape, and are noticeably hairy.
Carpet beetle larvae feed on textiles and products of animal origin. These materials can include fur, wool, silk, and feathers.

Carpet beetles, like most pests, are simply attracted to their food sources. The carpet beetle’s larval diet consists primarily of textiles, which are found in abundance in both residential and commercial properties. Adults will often simply fly through open doors and windows, before laying their eggs. Carpet beetles can also be introduced to a property through ‘hitchhiking’, for example, the purchase of a used rug from an infected property will carry many carpet beetles and eggs with it, allowing for their establishment within the new property.

Removing carpet beetles, eggs and larvae from a property requires intense and repeated cleaning. All floors and textiles should be both vacuumed and steam cleaned in order to remove and kill the majority of the pests. Following this, all clothes, bedding, and towels should be washed and dried on a hot setting. Any items damaged beyond repair should be disposed of in sealed containers to prevent further infestation spread. Following this, a range of insecticides may be used in the property to ensure the removal of the beetles in all forms.
A professional pest controller, such as East Anglia pest control, can assist with this large undertaking by evaluating the situation, and employing a suitable and effective solution.

Carpet beetles do not bite but are able to cause welts which appear similar to bites in some cases. This is due to the fact that a sizable number of people are allergic to carpet beetles, with the main trigger being carpet beetle larvae hair. These long strands can penetrate skin and fabric, often triggering reactions which appear similar to bites.

Carpet beetle eggs are laid in batches of 20 to 100, and are white or cream in colour, measuring 0.25 to 0.5mm in length. They are oval in shape, and tend to be found around any food sources suitable for the carpet beetle, including upholstered furniture. When laid indoors, eggs can hatch within anywhere from five to twenty days of laying.