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 identify which moth it is, find where the larvae are feeding and treat it, so that your cottage stays as you want it.
Why older cottages suit moths
Old cottages have thick walls, cosy corners, wooden floors with gaps and often a store of natural-fibre furnishings. Spare bedding in a chest, a wool rug in a spare room and curtains that are rarely drawn all offer moths a quiet home.
Holiday lets add one more factor. Rooms can stand unused for weeks, and nobody sees the first signs. If you manage a let in Shaldon, a quick check of wardrobes, curtain hems and carpet edges between guests catches problems while they are small and cheap to put right.
Treatment and prevention
We inspect the likely places in your Shaldon cottage carefully, including drawers, under beds, behind furniture and any loft space, and check the kitchen for pantry moths if needed. Knowing the species and where the larvae are tells us how to treat.
We then treat the infested areas and explain simple follow-up steps: hot washing, freezing small items, thorough vacuuming and sealed storage for blankets and woollens. Pheromone traps help you see if moths are still around. In a cottage, we also point out gaps and corners worth keeping clean and dry.
Shaldon, TQ14 and across the water
We cover Shaldon and the wider TQ14 postcode area. We also cover Teignmouth just across the estuary and Newton Abbot inland. Being a small village does not mean a small problem, and it does not mean we will not come out. Tell us what you have found and we will arrange a visit.
Frequently asked questions
Do moths come into old cottages through gaps in the walls?
Adult moths can fly in through open windows or doors, but infestations often start with items brought inside, like rugs, furniture or clothes. Once inside, quiet fabric-filled corners let them settle. We look for both routes and advise.
How do I check my holiday let for moths between guests?
Open wardrobes and drawers, lift curtain hems, look along carpet edges and under beds for webbing, cases or small larvae. Watch for tiny moths at dusk. A pheromone trap in a wardrobe is a handy early warning.
Can I treat clothes moths myself in my Shaldon cottage?
You can wash, freeze and vacuum, and that helps. What is harder is finding every larva in carpets, furniture and roof spaces. If damage keeps coming back, a proper inspection finds the source and a targeted treatment deals with it.