Advice
Protecting Wardrobes and Carpets From Moths
Clothes moth caterpillars feed on wool, fur and other natural fibres, so regular checks, clean storage and tidy habits go a long way to protecting your belongings.
Read the guide →We work with homeowners, landlords and small businesses in Dartmouth and the TQ6 area. A short inspection tells us what we are dealing with, and we then treat the source rather than guessing.
Holiday lets and empty rooms
A holiday let can sit quiet for weeks, with throws, blankets, rugs and upholstery undisturbed. That is ideal for clothes and carpet moths, because larvae feed unseen. By the time a guest spots a moth or a hole in a blanket, the problem may have been building for some time.
Owners and managing agents in Dartmouth can ask us to check wardrobes, soft furnishings and carpet edges between lets. Spotting webbing or cast skins early is far easier than dealing with a spread through several rooms, and it protects your linen and furnishings.
Older cottages and steep-street houses
Older Dartmouth cottages often have deep cupboards, boxed-in alcoves, thick curtains and floorboards with gaps. Dust and hair collect in those gaps and feed carpet moth and beetle larvae. We check under furniture, along skirting boards and around stored textiles, as well as the loft where one is accessible.
Treatment is aimed at the places the larvae are feeding. We then help you with the practical side: hot washing or freezing small items, a thorough vacuum, and putting spare clothing and blankets in sealed bags so the problem is not simply replaced by the next generation.
Waterfront eateries and pantry moths
Cafes and restaurants in Dartmouth can have a different moth issue: pantry moths in dry stores, flour, grains and dried fruit. These need infested stock removed, shelves cleaned and a targeted treatment. We inspect storerooms and explain what to check on deliveries. We also cover Brixham and Totnes if you are looking for help nearby.
Frequently asked questions
Can moths be found in a holiday let between guests?
Yes, quiet rooms are where they tend to build up. We can inspect wardrobes, bedding, rugs and curtains, and tell you whether it is clothes moths, carpet moths or something else before guests are affected.
What do pantry moths in a cafe kitchen look like?
The adults are small moths that fly in storerooms, and the larvae leave webbing and clumps in flour, grains and dried food. Throwing out infested stock and cleaning shelves is part of the fix, along with treatment.
Are old stone cottages more likely to get moths?
They can be, mostly because of quiet corners, gaps and rarely moved textiles. Age alone does not cause moths, but dust and untouched wool give larvae what they need.