How to Get Rid of Carpet Moths? [Explained]
Nowadays, people believe that the carpet is one of the most convenient and the coziest interior cover. As part of home design, it helps people feel a warm atmosphere in the family circle. On the downside, there appears to be a carpet moth problem.
Their natural habitat is outdoors. The moths feed on bird feathers or animal fur and skin there. Sometimes the moths get into the house; thus they destroy plants, clothes, wood, and carpets. They lay eggs under the carpet and on the skirting boards. They can lay up to 200 or 300 eggs at once. The larvae are more obvious and eat natural fibres like adult carpet moths.
The moths and their larvae also attack pet fibers, felt, and leather. These materials contain keratin, a fibrous protein. By the way, getting home, they go crazy around light. But carpet moths always prefer hiding away in the dark. They also stay near their food sources.
How is it possible to prevent carpet moth infestation naturally? It is not as easy as you think! To help you out, we have looked up and collected the main information about how to get rid of carpet moths. Let’s figure this issue out.
Summary
Look for signs of carpet moths on your carpet and other substances. You can check all dark corners and refresh your carpet using plenty of baking soda.
If you want to find them, look for moths at night. Most moths are usually detected when they fly around the room.
You should look out for webbing and cocoons in the corners. You may detect holes in clothes as well as larvae in your carpets. As a result, damage can occur to clothing and furnishings. It’s time to remove any eggs or debris that can be on the carpet! Let’s get started.
What is the carpet moth, and how does it get into the house?
So, carpet moths are common persistent household pests, called typically clothes moths as well. There are lots of flying species having various sizes that live in all habitats. It is worth mentioning that these household pests come as adult carpet moths through the window, but basically, they get in the house in the larval stage. Pets can become a home for carpet moths as well. Pet hair provides carpet moth infestations.
Firstly, carpet moths and carpet moth larvae get into the house, picked up on warm clothes and shoes, and also by dogs walking outdoors. You should always wipe your shoes and not wear them indoors!
Secondly, the matter concerns furniture, carpets, and natural rugs. Carpet moth eggs are microscopic, that’s why they are easily transported inside. They live 5 to 10 days at home, afterward, they have been laid and finally hatch. To prevent moth infestation, you need to freeze the items before you have moth damage.
Why have I got carpet moths?
The moths are real pests. I have to look under the old carpets and in the wardrobes and find these wonderful creatures there. The moths can attack fur, wool, silk, and other natural materials. Synthetic fibers are not an exception.
If I have got second-hand items at home, so obviously, the moths will live there. You can find pantry moths very fast when the moths lay eggs. Then the cycle starts all over again. That’s why it is significant to treat quickly and effectively.
Top 7 rules to keep carpet moths and carpet moth larvae away
Moth season is upon us, so we have put together this guide to help you keep carpet moths and their larvae away. There are some essential rules that you have to follow if you want to stop moths in their tracks quickly.
Rule 1 — identify carpet moths
If you suspect something, you have to identify the moths in time before it comes to preventing moths. In this scenario, you can know these pests by a darker head and small, light, shiny wings. The pesky moths usually attack carpets and eat silk curtains, rugs, leather, sofas, and other natural fibers as well as synthetic fabrics.
You can also identify the carpet moths as you detect threadbare patches or even holes on rugs and carpets. That might be because the carpet moth larvae live around. Moreover, if you see tiny flying insects, you may be a victim of the moths, these annoying creatures. Mostly, they prefer hiding in the dark corners or under the carpet and laying eggs there.
It is unpleasant for everyone! Carpet moth traps can catch adult moths, especially male moths.
To prevent moths, one of the best ways is to vacuum regularly. Thus, you need to obtain a vacuum cleaner and clean out the carpet and the vacuum bag constantly.
As for wool carpets, the moth larvae turn into moths very fast (approximately in a month). The adult moths do not eat cotton or wool, but they live for about three years and damage natural fibers like wool. They are attracted by human or pet hair, sweat, and dust. Food stains and moisture attract adult moths, so regular cleaning is essential.
It is hard to eliminate moths if they are found in your wool carpets. Despite ensuring your rugs are deep cleaned, sometimes things happen. Instead of dry cleaning, you should do wet vacuuming because wool is a type of hair. This is a good cleaning solution and suction to dissolve stains and remove the stuck-on dirt as well as to get rid of moth infestation.
Silk rugs, especially old-fashioned ones, are attractive to moths and moth larvae. They feed on keratin (human hair) and destroy the fabric. If you noticed threadbare patches, white areas, and spots, this is a tell-tale sign of moth infestation. To prevent moth activity in silk oriental rugs, you should refresh your carpets regularly. Furthermore, avoid using mothballs and apply moth repellent to your carpet. But the best way to save your rug is to freeze it.
Rule 2 — beware of moth infestations
The moths are rarely seen, even when you have a serious problem. They just fly around under the cover of darkness. They can also move undetected for many years. Check them out, considering the following special moth features.
The moths:
- are active at different times of the night
- have a 1-2 years life cycle
- are attracted to light
- cause itching
- are not poisonous to touch
Rule 3 — cleanout where carpet moths live
Firstly, eliminating carpet moths requires some strength to wipe out the carpet. When you notice the existence of carpet moths and carpet moth larvae, pantry moths as well as clothes moths and their activity in your home, act immediately.
Deep cleaning is needed to kill carpet moths naturally and avoid moth infestations. It is possible to wash, and afterward, iron the clothes, vacuum the carpets, and use the steam cleaner as well. Try again, if it still doesn’t work.
Rule 4 — reduce the breeding of carpet moths in your home
To reduce the breeding cycle of carpet moths, you can use natural remedies, for instance, cedar wood oil and considerable natural herbs, to clean the entire room.
Combine dried, crushed, and powdered herbs. Use the following in a small bag that you can put or hang anywhere.
Moreover, the moths are afraid of extremely high or low temperatures. This will play a huge role in decreasing the breeding of carpet moths in your home and, consequently, the amount of the next generation.
Also, you should use special moth traps to get rid of pesky moths. These moth traps contain the pheromone of a female, attracting only adult male moths. Only adult males are wind on the trap’s sticky carpet tape. It helps prevent carpet moths and take pest control.
Rule 5 — eradicate carpet moth eggs and carpet moth larvae
The situation may become worse while detecting the affected areas. Have you found signs of moth eggs, moth larvae, or cocoons in your home? The moth larvae eat silk, wool, hair, fur, and feathers as the natural fibers contain keratin. Found moth eggs, you can vacuum your carpets carefully.
If it doesn’t work, do not wait and call a professional. Surely, there are some simple measures you may take to prevent moths, like using chemicals that give the fastest results accordingly.
Rule 6 — follow the ongoing regime
Take pest control and follow some rules to prevent household pests:
- clean up the entire room regularly
- do not eat in the room
- wipe down the floor and skirting boards
- vacuum your carpets and do the deep carpet cleaning
- wash floor-length curtains and sofa cushions apropos
- wash and iron clothes constantly
- use the sachet with lavender or cedar wood
Rule 7 — use home remedies
The moth’s population growth leads to serious damage. We can trust professionals. However, it is a great idea to make use of natural treatments. This might be because people want to avoid toxic chemicals. No doubt, using natural treatments is harder work, but it will give results.
Here is a top best fragrant aroma to kick the carpet and clothes moths away:
- Lavender
- Clove
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Eucalyptus
Moths found?
Act immediately, and locate the main source! Carpet moth elimination is quite time-consuming, and it takes a lot of preparation and action.
The best solution would be to wash, iron, and vacuum. It really works and prevents carpet moth infestation!
Obviously, while cleaning up with chemicals, you can get rid of moths faster, and it gives better results. This is a question about time and health features.
Using chemical treatments can cause allergies among family members. Air out your home! Do not forget to air out your home during the full day. Fresh air cleans the areas and provides carpet moth infestation.
Tip: The moths and carpet moth larvae can’t stand extremely high/low temperatures. So, put the moths in the sauna or freezer, but leave them for a long time (about 4 to 5 weeks) there, because they can stand cold better than heat.
What is the best carpet moth killer?
Regular carpet cleaning doesn’t always kill carpet moths. For instance, vacuuming and steaming provides the opportunity to eliminate moth eggs and moth larvae, while adult moths may still be flying around. However, the steamer turns out to be the most successful device that kills moths. But don’t forget about simple ways which also help you solve moth problems.
Checkups you shouldn’t miss:
- Keep skirting boards under control
- Clean your stores
- Fill your home with a cedar wood aroma
- Keep your floors vacuumed and dusted
- Freeze the clothes that show signs of moths
- Wash your clothes regularly
- Use vinegar to help
FAQs
When it comes to choosing a treatment that helps prevent carpet pests, you can face different questions.
How do you get rid of carpet moths fast?
There are some ways to deal with pests:
1. regular vacuuming
2. eco-friendly dry cleaning and wet carpet cleaning
3. using moth sprays with a natural aroma
4. installing a special pheromone underneath traps
5. monitoring for any furniture activity
Which device is BETTER for killing pests?
Surely, the steam cleaner turns out to be the best device ever for carpet moth prevention and harmful to humans.
Is natural moth prevention enough?
If there is no carpet moth infestation, then natural prevention without professional help is enough. If you want a better result, add deep cleaning to your home.
What home remedy kills carpet moths?
When it comes to home remedies that help you out, the best moth killer is cedar wood or lavender. They have a pleasant aroma to people but repel pests.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we firmly believe that it is possible to get rid of carpet pests naturally or get some professional help. Each kind of moth is attracted by unique products and locations. The severity of carpet moth infestation depends on the overall prevalence of infestation. They do incredible damage to property, such as clothes, food, and carpets. They can also negatively affect a person’s well-being.
Stop common moths in their tracks! We hope that this guide was useful. The information provides you with many advantages on the issue of carpet moth prevention and elimination. To solve this problem, you should follow certain rules that will help you out and give tips on how to get rid of carpet moths.
Read Also: How Long Should Carpet Smell After Cleaning
Hi, I’m Anna Jeffery, cleaning expert and author of articles. I strive to share my knowledge with everyone by writing helpful cleaning guides. I believe that everyone deserves to live a clean and orderly life, and I am proud that my articles help people achieve this goal. Stay tuned for practical and useful cleaning tips!