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 →Plenty of homes here keep wool for the colder months, which means plenty of storage through summer. That is exactly when larvae can feed unnoticed in a drawer or a loft box, so a considered look is worthwhile before the first cold snap.
Winter woollens and summer storage
Wool, fleece, down and felt are all attractive to moth larvae when they are stored with traces of sweat, food or skin on them. Walking jackets, thick socks and heavy blankets put away dirty in spring can come out in autumn with holes and webbing.
In Okehampton, with older homes, newer estates and open moorland nearby, people often have cold-weather clothing stacked away for months. The fix is easy in principle: wash or dry-clean before storage, then seal in bags or boxes. Where damage is already visible, we trace the larvae, treat the affected areas and show you what to move first.
What we check during a visit
In Okehampton homes we look in wardrobes, drawers and blanket boxes, then move on to carpet edges, rugs, upholstered chairs, curtains and loft space. We are looking for larvae, cast skins, silky tubes, droppings and adult moths, and for conditions that favour them, like warm airing cupboards and stored woollens.
Treatment targets the active areas, and we explain the practical steps: freeze or hot wash smaller items, vacuum thoroughly and replace tired storage with sealed boxes. We set out pheromone traps afterwards so we can monitor the adults and judge honestly whether anything remains, rather than assuming it has all gone.
Older homes and open country
Older Okehampton homes can have draughty gaps and quiet rooms that suit moths, and country properties may keep spare blankets in outbuildings. Tell us where textiles are stored. We also cover Crediton and Sourton. If you are in EX20 and have spotted holes or webbing, we can arrange a visit.
Frequently asked questions
Can moths eat fleece and outdoor clothing?
Synthetic fleece is not their preference, but wool, down and felt are, and dirty garments attract them. Walking socks, wool jumpers and old jackets stored unwashed are the usual victims. We can check which of your items are at risk.
When is the right time to check for moths in Okehampton?
Spring and autumn are sensible, when you pack away or bring out seasonal clothing. Look for holes, webbing and tiny pale larvae. If anything turns up, a prompt inspection limits the damage to the rest of your stored items.
Do I need to treat my carpets as well as my clothes?
Only if there are signs. Carpet moths leave thin patches and silky tubes, often under furniture and along edges. If we find them during inspection, we treat those areas and advise on vacuuming and moving heavy items.