Moth Pest Control in Tower Hamlets

Physical Features of Clothes Moths

• Adult size: 6-8mm body, 9-16mm wingspan
• Golden-brown color, no distinct markings or spots
• Narrow wings held flat along body when resting
• Small head with simple antennae
• Weak fliers, often seen fluttering near infested areas
• Avoid light, prefer dark undisturbed areas
• Cream-colored larvae (10-12mm) with brown head capsule
• Larvae spin silken tubes and webbing on fabrics

Signs of Moth Activity

• Small irregular holes in wool, silk, or cashmere clothing
• Silken threads or webbing on fabric surfaces
• Adult moths flying around wardrobes (especially at dusk)
• Cream-colored larvae crawling on clothes or carpets
• Cocoon cases (pupae) in corners of wardrobes
• Damage to natural fibre carpets and rugs

Larvae Damage: Irregular holes in natural fibres, especially dirty or stained fabrics. Damage often found in dark, undisturbed areas of wardrobes and under furniture.

Eggs: Tiny white oval eggs (0.5mm) laid on fabric surfaces. Hatch in 4-10 days depending on temperature. Nearly invisible to naked eye.

Larvae: Feed for 2-10 months on keratin protein in wool, silk, fur, feathers, and felt. Create silken tubes and webbing while feeding.

Common Moth Hiding Spots

• Wardrobes and cupboards (especially dark corners)
• Under furniture and behind curtains
• Wool carpets and rugs (particularly under furniture)
• Stored clothing in boxes or bags
• Natural fibre upholstery and cushions
• Attics and storage areas with old textiles
• Behind radiators and in ceiling voids
• Piano felts and tapestries
• Fur coats and feather items
• Wool blankets and vintage clothing

Our Moth Treatment Methods

We use a combination of professional treatments tailored to your specific infestation:

• Pheromone Traps: Professional-grade pheromone traps placed in wardrobes and storage areas to attract and capture adult male moths. Monitors activity levels and reduces breeding population.
• Targeted Insecticide Treatment: HSE-approved residual sprays (permethrin, pyrethroids) applied to wardrobes, carpets, curtains, and upholstery. Kills larvae and adult moths on contact. Safe for fabrics when applied correctly.
• Wardrobe & Storage Treatment: Deep treatment of all wardrobes, drawers, cupboards, and storage areas. Focus on dark corners, under shelves, and behind hanging clothes where larvae hide and feed.
• Heat Treatment (Severe Infestations): Professional heat treatment for valuable items or severe infestations. Raises temperature to 55°C to kill all life stages. Effective for delicate fabrics that can't be washed or treated with chemicals.
• Follow-up Monitoring: 2-3 follow-up visits over 4-6 weeks to monitor pheromone traps, treat newly emerged moths, and ensure complete elimination of all life stages.

Preparation for Moth Treatment

Proper preparation maximizes treatment effectiveness:

• Before Treatment: Remove clothing from wardrobes if possible. Vacuum all carpets, wardrobes, and storage areas thoroughly. Dry-clean or wash affected garments at 60°C. Empty vacuum into outdoor bin immediately.
• Identify Affected Items: Inspect all wool, silk, cashmere, and natural fibre items. Look for holes, larvae, webbing, and cocoon cases. Set aside severely damaged items for professional cleaning or disposal.
• Clear Access: Provide access to all wardrobes, cupboards, attics, and storage areas. Move furniture to expose carpets underneath. Point out areas of moth activity and damaged items.
• After Treatment: Don't return clothes to wardrobes for 24 hours (allow spray to dry). Keep pheromone traps in place for monitoring. Vacuum regularly. Follow prevention advice to avoid re-infestation.
• Ongoing Prevention: Use cedar sachets or lavender in wardrobes. Store out-of-season clothes in sealed bags. Clean clothes before storage. Monitor for signs of moth activity.