Carpet Moth Larvae Identification

The carpet moth is a common household textile pest.

Carpet moth larvae identification. Adult carpet moths are light brown or beige in colour with a 2 cm wingspan and once fully formed don t need to eat. The carpet tapestry moth is found worldwide and adult moths tend to be seen from april to october although this can vary depending on geographical location. They are very small moths with a wingspan of typically 14 18mm. This will remove any eggs which may be in or on your carpet as well as clean up any hair skin or food debris which the larvae need to survive.

Carpet moths inhabit less disturbed and darker areas behind sofas along skirting boards under bookcases are typical hiding places for carpet moth larvae. Mediterranean indian brown house white shouldered. Carpet moth larvae feed predominately on keratin found in natural fibres such as wool and so can live on any carpet with some wool content. There are four types of pantry moth to look our for within your kitchen.

Alamy rather confusingly most of these moth species will sometimes switch from carpets to clothes and chew any natural fabrics like cotton wool and silk. Here are a few tips on how to identify them. If you spot a tiny grub wrapped in a woven case dragging itself around you ve got carpet moths. Regular vacuuming in these areas moving furniture and opening curtains in lesser used rooms will all help to create a less desirable environment for carpet moths to settle and cause.

Carpet moths typically live outdoors in bird nests or on animals but there are increasing cases of tinea pellionella being found in uk homes. How to recognise them. The eggs are only 1mm long but once hatched into larvae search for food immediately and along with wool can consume cotton linen and silk. A carpet moth infestation can be a costly problem as it can cause serious and often irreperable damage to carpets rugs and other soft furnishings in the home.

If you can count around 5 moths in one room it s considered a serious moth infestation. Their larvae are most likely to be found munching away underneath some of your bigger and heavier furniture. In addition to vacuuming make sure you keep on top of your carpet cleaning. Synthetics aren t so much at risk.

Carpet moth eggs are so small you won t notice them but their larvae are easily identified due to the case they carry around which gives them their common name. All will settle where there is a supply of food resulting in an infestation where larvae can soon become a serious problem.