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 →Wardrobes, spare bedding and soft furnishings left alone through the colder months are ideal for clothes moths. A visit before the season starts, or after you spot a problem, saves a lot of damage to blankets, throws and carpets.
Empty rooms and closed-up wardrobes
Moths want stillness. A holiday cottage with wardrobes shut for months, a stack of woollen blankets and a few rugs gives them exactly that. Larvae feed in the dark on wool, felt and any fabric that carries skin cells, spilled food or pet hair, so a lived-in guest room can be worse than a clean empty one.
In Seaton, homes spread up the valley from the seafront, and many are used only part of the year. We often find damage first noticed at the start of the season, when a guest reports holes in a throw or webbing in a drawer. By then the colony may have been active for a long time.
What a visit looks like
We inspect the rooms in turn: wardrobes, drawers, under beds, carpet edges, curtains, upholstered furniture and the airing cupboard. We look for live larvae, cast skins, silky tubes and adult moths, and check the kitchen for pantry moths too, since holiday lets often leave dried food behind.
Treatment is targeted, and we explain what you or your cleaners should do alongside it: hot wash linen, freeze small items, vacuum thoroughly and seal blankets in boxes. Pheromone traps then go in so we can monitor between lets and judge whether the Seaton property is clear before the next arrivals.
Closing up a property sensibly
Before you leave a place empty, wash everything you plan to store, seal woollens in bags and clear food cupboards. Open wardrobes occasionally if you can. For Seaton and nearby we also cover Colyton and Sidmouth, so if you are in EX12 and want a second opinion on a worrying hole or web, get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
Can moths damage a holiday let between bookings?
Yes. Empty rooms are quiet and dark, so clothes moths can build up on blankets, throws and carpets. Regular checks of wardrobes and spare bedding between lets help you catch problems early, before a guest does.
Should I treat my Seaton second home before closing it for winter?
A quick inspection is sensible if you have seen any signs. Otherwise, wash items before storing, seal woollens in bags, empty food cupboards and vacuum. That removes most of what moths need.
Do you treat pantry moths in holiday lets as well?
Yes. Dried food left in cupboards between guests often causes pantry moths. We identify which moth you have, clear the source, treat cracks and shelves where larvae hide, and advise on storing food safely.