How to Get Rid of Moths in Wardrobes and Carpets

Clearing moths is mostly a matter of thoroughness. There is no single magic product, and the job usually involves emptying, cleaning and checking every place larvae could be feeding.

Here is a sensible order of work, and a clear idea of when it is time to ask for help.

Step one: empty and sort

Take everything out of the affected wardrobe or drawer and sort it on a clean surface. Work in good light and check seams, folds, collars and linings, where larvae and silk are easiest to spot.

Separate items into those that show signs of moths, those that look clean but were stored nearby, and those that are obviously fine. Treat the first two groups in the same way, as eggs are tiny and easy to miss.

Do this in a room where you can lay clothes out flat, and keep a bag or box to hand for anything that needs treating. Moving items one at a time into a sealed bag stops larvae dropping onto the carpet and starting again somewhere new.

Step two: treat the textiles

Heat and cold are the safest tools you have. Where the care label allows, washing at the highest temperature the fabric tolerates and a good tumble dry will kill all life stages. Delicate items can be dry cleaned, and the cleaner will advise.

For items that cannot be washed, sealing them in a bag and putting them in a freezer for a number of days is widely recommended. Check current guidance for the timing, and let items return to room temperature before opening the bag to avoid condensation.

• Wash, tumble dry or dry clean where the label allows
• Freeze items that cannot be washed, sealed in a bag
• Brush out seams and pockets before and after
• Wash or air items that look clean but were stored beside infested ones

Step three: clean the space

Vacuum the empty wardrobe thoroughly, including corners, runners, the top and the gap between the unit and the wall. Wipe the surfaces down afterwards. Do the same to carpet edges nearby, because larvae move between hiding places.

Empty the vacuum cleaner outside straight away, as fibres and larvae can be pulled into it alive.

Pay attention to the wall behind the unit and to any shoes, bags or hats stored at the bottom, since wool felt and leather linings can hold dust and hair that larvae will happily feed on.

Step four: carpets and rugs

Vacuum slowly and repeatedly along skirting boards, under furniture, inside cupboards and around the edge of the fitted carpet. Move heavy items so that you reach the dark patches where larvae tend to feed.

Small rugs can sometimes be sent for professional cleaning, which can deal with them. Large fitted carpets and underlay are harder, and widespread damage there is a good reason to get an inspection.

Monitoring and knowing when to get help

Pheromone traps catch adult males and are useful for showing whether moths are still around, but they do not remove a population by themselves. Treat them as a monitoring tool, not a cure.

Shop-bought sprays and sachets have limits and should be used strictly according to the label, with children and pets kept away. If moths return after a thorough clean, or the damage is spread through several rooms, Essex Pest Solutions can inspect to find out where the source is. The result depends on what is found on inspection, so no one should promise a particular outcome in advance.

Frequently asked questions