The common clothes moth larvae is responsible for most of the holes that appear not just in wool clothing but also carpets, rugs, piano felt, upholstered furniture, furs, leather, feather and sometimes even cotton, linen and silks.
The adult moths are completely harmless and are either "webbing clothes moths" with a golden yellow body or "casemaking clothes moth" which are yellowish brown, both having about a ½ inch wing span.
Unlike other moths, these like darkness and so hide in cupboards and wardrobes.
The female webbing clothes moth will lay 40 to 50 eggs that hatch in 4-21 days. When the larvae hatch they like to feed on soiled material and then spin tunnels. The females travel by running, hopping and hide in the folds of clothing. The life cycle is between 65 and 90 days.
The casemaking clothes moth is less common than the webbing clothes moth. Larvae spin a small silken case around themselves as they feed and produce clean-cut holes, usually in several spots. Females live about 30 days and lay 100 to 300 eggs.
Protecting and prevention
Good housekeeping is essential for preventing or controlling clothes moth damage.
Moths are especially damaging to fabric stained with beverages, urine, oil from hair, and sweat. Most damage is done to articles left undisturbed for a long time. It is therefore, prudent to wash clothes that will be stored or unused for some time.
Thoroughly cleaning rugs, rug pads, under heavy furniture, and carpets, especially around the edges.
Vacuum often, even in rooms that are not being used.
Use a strong suction vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool to remove lint, hair, and dust from floor cracks, skirtingboards, air ducts, carpets, and upholstered furniture.
Never allow clothing, rugs, etc. to lie in a neglected pile.
Keep wardrobes, drawers and cupboards clean.
Launder and dry clean or steam clean clothes and other items before storage. (Egg-laying clothes moths are attracted to soiled articles.)
Ironing will also destroy all stages of clothes moths.
Sun, brush, and expose clothing to the weather. Outdoors, bright, hot sunlight, and wind will reduce larvae and damage.
Frequent use of woolens and other animal fiber clothing almost assures no damage from clothes moth larvae.
When storing cloth goods, always have them dry cleaned, washed, pressed with a hot iron, sunned, or brushed prior to storage in an airtight container with an effective moth repellent.
Light illumination in cupboards may discourage moths.
Freezing has been successfully used to control clothes moths. Place fabric in polyethylene bags, squeeze all air out to minimize condensation, and deep freeze the materials for three days.
For more helpful ways about carpet care, see links below:
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