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 come out, work out which moth it is, and track down where the larvae are living before any treatment starts. Treating the wrong thing wastes everyone's time.
Dense terraces, rentals and the moths that move in
Much of Plymouth is made up of tightly packed terraces and flats, and a large number of homes are rented. That means furniture, rugs and bedding move around a lot, and so do moth eggs. A second-hand wool rug or an armchair taken in on a house clearance is a very common starting point.
In older terraces we often look at the places that stay still for years: the underside of a sofa, the edge of a fitted carpet, the back of a wardrobe, the loft insulation. Moth larvae like fabric that is warm, quiet and rarely moved, and these spots tick every box.
A working method, not a guess
First, for your Plymouth property, we identify the species by what you have seen: webbing and holes in wool point to clothes moths, ragged carpet edges to carpet moths, and a sticky web through flour or cereal to pantry moths. Then we inspect the likely hiding places, including drawers, shelves, skirting lines and under furniture.
Treatment is targeted at the infested areas, backed up by simple jobs you can do: hot washing what will take it, freezing small items, vacuuming thoroughly and bagging clothes in sealed storage. We usually leave pheromone traps so you can see whether adult moths are still being caught.
Across PL1 to PL9 and the surrounding area
We work throughout Plymouth, PL1 to PL9, in houses, flats, shops and offices. We also cover Ivybridge and Dartmouth, so if you are on the edge of the city or further out in the South Hams you can still ask. Tell us what you have found, even if it is only one hole in one jumper, and we will advise on the next step.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell if it is moths or just wear and tear on my carpet?
Moth damage tends to be irregular, with bald patches, silky tubes or tiny gritty specks of waste, often under furniture or along edges. Normal wear is even and in walking routes. If you are unsure, send us a description and we will tell you what to look for.
I rent a flat in Plymouth. Who deals with moths?
That depends on your tenancy agreement and whether the infestation was there when you moved in, so check with your landlord or agent. Either way, we can inspect and explain what we find in plain terms, which helps you both agree who should arrange treatment.
Can moths come in on second-hand furniture?
Yes, it is one of the most common routes. Eggs and larvae can sit in the fabric, seams or underside of a sofa, rug or wool item. Vacuuming thoroughly before it goes into the home and checking the underside of the furniture helps spot trouble early.