Clothes moth infestations can lead to irreversible damage to clothing, upholstery, carpets, and rugs. They often target undisturbed areas such as beneath furniture, inside wardrobes, and within soft furnishings that haven’t been used for a while. Fabrics stained with food, sweat, or other organic residues are especially vulnerable.
If left untreated, moth populations can grow rapidly. A single female moth lays around 40–50 eggs over a few weeks before dying. In warm conditions, the eggs hatch within 4–10 days. The larval stage, which is responsible for the damage, can last anywhere from 35 days to over two years, depending on environmental conditions. Typically, there are two generations of clothes moths per year.
The real culprits are the moth larvae. They feed on keratin—a protein found in animal-based fibres such as wool, silk, cashmere, feathers, and fur. Even household dust, which contains human skin cells and hair, provides nourishment for these pests.
Adult moths, in contrast, do not feed. They remain close to the infestation site, fluttering around, mating, and laying eggs before dying.
Before we carry out a professional moth treatment, it’s important to prepare your home to maximise effectiveness:
✅ Remove clutter from floors, including toys, books, boxes, and shoes.
✅ Empty wardrobes, cupboards, and drawers.
✅ Thoroughly vacuum carpets, paying extra attention to edges and under furniture.
✅ Vacuum and clean inside wardrobes, drawers, and upholstered furniture.
✅ Dispose of vacuum bags in an outdoor bin after cleaning.
✅ Wipe down all surfaces.
✅ Cover any food, cutlery, clothing, towels, and personal items like toothbrushes.
After treatment, follow these steps to ensure the best results:
✅ Let the treatment dry fully—don’t wipe or clean treated surfaces.
✅ Keep pets and people away from treated areas until fully dry.
✅ Reduce humidity by increasing ventilation and heating.
✅ Avoid vacuuming for two weeks. On the third week, vacuum thoroughly, focusing on carpet edges and hidden areas. Dispose of the vacuum bag in an outdoor bin.
✅ Avoid deep cleaning for at least one month.
✅ After one month, clean wardrobes, drawers, skirting boards, and hard-to-reach places.
✅ Continue regular vacuuming, especially around carpet edges and under furniture, as moths may still be present in untreated areas.
At Pest Shield, our treatment specifically targets moth larvae, the stage responsible for damage. Our technicians apply residual insecticides to carpets, rugs, upholstery, wardrobes, and other affected areas. The larvae absorb the treatment, eliminating them effectively.
You may still see adult moths for a short time after treatment—this is normal, as any remaining pupae will hatch at different times.
We use industry-approved insecticides that are biodegradable, non-tainting, and almost odourless. Our treatments won’t corrode or stain surfaces.
Depending on the severity of the infestation, we may use:
Residual Insecticide SpraysInsecticide PowdersFogging Treatments for widespread infestations
Our technician will provide a treatment report detailing the products used and any further recommendations.
🔹 The case-bearing clothes moth is common across the UK, particularly in the South.
🔹 Females lay 40–50 eggs in a few weeks before dying. Males live longer and continue mating.
🔹 Moth larvae attach their eggs to fabric using a sticky secretion.
🔹 The larval stage lasts between 50 days and 2.5 years, depending on conditions.
🔹 Larvae spin silk cases around themselves while feeding, making them harder to spot.
Pest Control ServicesPEST-SHIELD provides expert pest control services in Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham—keeping homes and businesses safe and pest-free.
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