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 help homeowners, second-home owners and local businesses in Salcombe and the TQ8 area. After an inspection we explain the problem in plain terms and treat the source, not just the moths you can see.
Closed-up homes and what moths do
When a Salcombe house is shut for a few weeks, nobody notices a few larvae feeding on a wool blanket or a carpet edge under a sofa. They stay in the dark, and the damage shows up on the next visit. The longer the gap, the bigger the surprise.
Second-home owners can ask us to look over wardrobes, spare beds, rugs and upholstery. We can also give simple instructions for whoever looks after the place between stays, such as what to check, what traps to leave out and how to store linen so it is protected.
Our approach to treatment
In Salcombe we identify the type of moth first. Clothes moths leave irregular holes and silky tubes, carpet moths feed on rugs and underlay, and pantry moths turn up in food cupboards. The sheet we leave you explains which one it was and why.
Treatment is targeted at the infested areas, with practical steps on top: vacuuming skirting boards and under furniture, hot washing or freezing small items, and sealing woollens in bags. Pheromone traps let you monitor numbers over the following weeks without needing to open every cupboard.
Waterfront businesses and steep-street homes
Shops and cafes along the Salcombe waterfront sometimes see pantry moths in dry stores, and soft furnishing retailers can find clothes moths in stock. We inspect storerooms and display areas and explain what to move or throw away. Homes on the steeper streets get the same visit. We also cover Dartmouth and Ivybridge if you are close by.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop moths in a holiday home I only visit in summer?
Wash or dry-clean woollens before leaving, store them in sealed bags, vacuum rug edges and under furniture, and leave a pheromone trap or two. A quick look at wardrobes on arrival helps catch anything early.
Can moths damage carpets as well as clothes?
Yes. Carpet moth larvae feed on wool carpets and rugs, especially along edges and under heavy furniture where it is dark and undisturbed. We check these areas during an inspection.
Do you treat shops in Salcombe?
Yes. We look at stockrooms, display areas and food stores, identify the moth involved, and treat the source. We also explain how to check deliveries and stock rotation to reduce the chance of a repeat.