Moth Infestation Control

Overview

• Eliminate clothes‑ or carpet‑moth larvae and prevent their return by cleaning, heat‑treating and applying targeted insecticides.

• Skill level: 3 / 5 (confident DIYer).

• Typical duration: 3 – 4 hours hands‑on, plus follow‑up checks.
  

Safety First

1. Wear FFP2 mask and nitrile gloves when applying insecticides or handling dusty carpets.

2. Unplug heat‑treatment devices before moving them to avoid burns.

3. Keep pets and children out of treated rooms until sprays have fully dried and air is refreshed.

4. Use a step‑stool for high wardrobes—avoid over‑reaching with heavy boxes.
   

Tools & Materials

Step‑by‑Step

1 – Identify the hotspots

Why: Pinpoints where eggs and larvae are concentrated (often along skirting boards or dark wardrobe corners).

2 – Deep‑vacuum carpets, rugs and wardrobe floors

Why: Physically removes up to 70 % of eggs and debris before chemical treatment.

3 – Heat‑treat textiles

Why: Steam or a 60 °C wash instantly kills all life stages without chemicals.

4 – Spray residual insecticide on floors and cupboards

Why: Creates a month‑long barrier that catches stragglers.

5 – Isolate and freeze delicate items

Why: Freezing at –18 °C for 72 h eliminates pests in woollens you cannot wash.

6 – Replace pheromone traps and monitor weekly

Why: Confirms whether the life‑cycle has been broken.

7 – Declutter and seal entry points

Why: Reduces future harbourage and blocks re‑infestation routes.

Completion Checks

• No fresh dust or “sand‑like” droppings beneath rugs or wardrobes.

• Pheromone traps stay moth‑free for two consecutive weeks.

• Wool or silk items show no new holes after one month.

• Carpets lie flat with no loose fibres tug‑out when brushed.
  

When to call a pro instead

Engage a licensed pest‑control specialist if activity continues after two DIY treatments, you discover widespread contamination in loft insulation, or if you or household members are sensitive to insecticides and require heat‑pod treatment of entire rooms.