Moth Damage to Rugs

Moth damage is caused by the common clothing moth (tineola bisselliella). It's small and is usually silvery tan or soft brown in color. This moth flies slowly but with a rapid flutter of small wings. Flying clothes moths do not eat rugs, but the females do lay hundreds of eggs each, and the eggs hatch into larvae that consume wool and silk fibers. Moths and their larvae thrive in dark, undisturbed areas where a rug gets little traffic and is not often vacuumed. A bad infestation sometimes leaves a cobweb-like veil in the area of the damage, along with fine, sand-like debris. An infestation often involves more than one rug, and can spread to (or from) woolens or furs hanging in a closet or sweaters stored in a drawer.

To prevent moth damage, frequent vacuuming and turning over the rug is critical.

Any place the vacuum cannot reach, such as areas of the rug under furniture, or a rug hung on the wall, can be sprayed with Steri-Fab® .

Mothballs (naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene) are ineffective in moth control for rugs.

These materials act only as a minor repellent to moths.

They do not kill moth larvae, and the naphthalene odor can be unpleasant and difficult to remove from the rug. Cedar scent is useless as prevention for moth damage.

When a rug is to be stored for more than a few months it should be cleaned, sprayed with Steri-Fab or Microban® X-590, thoroughly dried, and wrapped in protective plastic or a tough synthetic paper like Tyvek® building paper, and sealed. Don't use newspaper or common brown wrapping paper. These materials are not chemically stable (they are usually quite acidic), and do not provide the protection from insects or moisture the stored rug needs. Make sure the rug is completely dry. Store the rug in a clean, dry place out of the reach of squirrels or other rodents. Periodic inspection of the rug is strongly recommended.

NOTE: Many states require that a contractor applying a pest control product be licensed. Please contact your state EPA office for further information.

Related Insecticide and Microbicide Products:

Additonal Rug Cleaning and Care Information:

Print