What Are Carpet Moths?

Carpet moths are a widespread moth found across the globe. They are scientifically known as "Trichophaga Tapetzella", and they belong to the Tineidae family, which has over 300 species of moths. They are also known as the tapestry or clothes moth as it feeds on the fabrics of tapestries. It's usually found outdoors, mainly in a bird's nest.

They predominantly feed on discarded animal skin, fur, and birds' feathers due to the presence of keratin. So, it's not surprising to see carpet moth larvae feeding your expensive wool rug or leather furnish. You will see them most during summer and stay inactive in winter.

When it comes to their features, some may think they are large-sized, given the damage they do. However, adult carpet moths are tiny but quite effective. They rarely fly and tend to hop instead. So, spotting them makes it more challenging because of this behaviour.

It can lay up to 300 eggs at once. They are small and difficult to spot. Imagine a single carpet moth laying over 200 to 300 eggs simultaneously. The next stage is turning it into larvae. Precisely the damage part starts here.

Adult moths don’t damage your rugs, but the main culprit is larvae. They are tiny and feed on fabrics of your tapestries or wool rug. After it is full, its body is covered with a woven case looking like a cocoon. A grain of rice, to be precise. Interestingly, it’s also visible in this stage.

So, where do carpet moths come from? Since it's mostly found indoors, some may think it comes from the house within. However, it is pretty happy living outside, feeding on birds' feathers. It only gets inside your home when it's time to lay eggs.

These eggs are primarily seen in your pet's toes, shoes, or clothing. It will stay there unless you clean it. Once it turns larvae, it will feed on your rug. It will gradually become an adult moth and then lay eggs. The breeding cycle continues. So, it's essential to do regular cleaning of your house to prevent the growth of carpet moths.

How To Get Rid of Carpet Moths

1. Identifying The Carpet Moth

Moths are found in different variants. One such is carpet moths, which are also commonly known as tapestry moths. Scientifically, it’s called Trichophaga tapetzella, and its larvae feed on bird nests, animal skin, pellets, clothing, and fur.

These are tiny insects known for causing massive damage to clothes, carpets, and other household fabrics. While the adult carpet moths don't damage the materials, their larvae are the main culprit. Due to its appetite for organic fibres, the damage can be pretty extensive.

While cleaning your living space, look for these larvae, which are usually ½ to ¼ inch long. It has a darker head and is cream-colored. The larvae primarily reside under carpets, sofas, and other similar places. So, identifying them early on will prevent your carpet from getting damaged.

2. Inspecting Potential Area For Infestation

After the identification process, access the infested area or inspect spaces where it’s likely to cause damage. Unlike other moths, carpet moths generally prefer undisturbed and dark places. It would be under the sofas, behind the curtains, and in corners.

The best way to detect this insect is by using carpet moth traps. You can get it online or from your local general store. This trap has a female pheromone that helps in attracting adult male moths. Getting rid of the counterparts prevents the breeding cycle and thus leads to the decline of carpet moths.

After assessing the area, place the moth traps where it's likely to be located. Find its hot spots and place them accordingly. Before it starts damaging your fabrics, setting these traps will stop it from happening.

3. Cleaning Area Prone To Carpet Moths

Keeping your living space clean is one of the essential measures to prevent carpet moths from damaging your rugs. Dust is the main attractor of these insects due to the high presence of skin cells, pet, and human hairs. All these are shed daily, which we're unaware of, and keratin too.

Hence, it’s necessary to regularly clear your living space, especially ‘hotspots.' It includes under the sofas, behind doors, and other similar places. You should also air or shake your rugs once or twice a week to prevent infestation.

Maintaining a regular carpet care schedule keeps your carpet and clothes safe from moth infestation. You can also get a moth killer kit if it’s damaging your rug. If you’re vacuuming, take the vacuum cleaner outside to empty to avoid leaving larvae or egg moths inside.

4. Prevent Carpet Moths From Breeding

Do you know carpet moths can survive on your home textiles for up to three years? Depending on the weather conditions, its life expectancy can vary. Either way, it increases breeding which should be prevented by taking necessary measures.

One of the ways to stop moths from breeding is by using carpet moth traps. Its effective and proper use will stop its population from growing. Using these traps will prevent the moths from laying eggs which will gradually turn into larvae, and so forth-the cycle continues.

Hence, keeping carpet moths from breeding is vital to avoid damaging your home textiles. Watch its 'hotspots' regularly while cleaning the house and take measures accordingly.

5. Removing Eggs and Larvae Of Carpet Moths

Your most expensive home textiles like cashmere throws, leather sofas, or wool carpets might be at greater risk. Do you know why? Carpet moth larvae feed on keratin which is like a protein for them. It doesn’t feed on synthetic fabrics or cotton unless there are traces of sweat or food in it.

Carpet moth eggs may not be easy to spot, but the larvae are easily visible. Another great way to find it is through its sticky webbing in rugs or carpets. That will be an excellent indicator.

While cleaning the house, take this indicator into measure and get rid of it accordingly. After removing the eggs and larvae, use a combination of powder and spray as protection against carpet moths which will likely last for two weeks.

6. Be Consistent With The Cleaning Regime

The only way to stop carpet moths is by regularly cleaning your living space, especially its hotspots. Food stains, pet and human hair, sweat, and dust attract carpet moths.

Hence, it is necessary to clean daily to prevent these moths from residing and breeding. Once it starts breeding, the population will increase, and it will be hard to get rid of it. In addition, it will cause massive damage to your home textiles and furniture.

7. Monitoring Carpet Moths

Don’t think your task is complete after cleaning or keeping carpet moth traps. You should constantly watch out as it may start infesting somewhere else. So, it's vital to check places besides their regular spots.