Carpet Moth Larvae Identification

The carpet moth is a common household textile pest.

Carpet moth larvae identification.

Here are a few tips on how to identify them. Their larvae are most likely to be found munching away underneath some of your bigger and heavier furniture. How to recognise them. Carpet moths typically live outdoors in bird nests or on animals but there are increasing cases of tinea pellionella being found in uk homes.

If you can count around 5 moths in one room it s considered a serious moth infestation. Carpet moth eggs are so small you won t notice them but their larvae are easily identified due to the case they carry around which gives them their common name. If you spot a tiny grub wrapped in a woven case dragging itself around you ve got carpet moths. Adult case bearing carpet moth.

The eggs are only 1mm long but once hatched into larvae search for food immediately and along with wool can consume cotton linen and silk. Regular vacuuming in these areas moving furniture and opening curtains in lesser used rooms will all help to create a less desirable environment for carpet moths to settle and cause. Carpet moths and their larvae like warm humid environments. Carpet moth larvae feed predominately on keratin found in natural fibres such as wool and so can live on any carpet with some wool content.

Adult carpet moths are light brown or beige in colour with a 2 cm wingspan and once fully formed don t need to eat. Identifying pantry moths how do i know if i have pantry moths. Carpet moths inhabit less disturbed and darker areas behind sofas along skirting boards under bookcases are typical hiding places for carpet moth larvae. In addition to vacuuming make sure you keep on top of your carpet cleaning.

This will remove any eggs which may be in or on your carpet as well as clean up any hair skin or food debris which the larvae need to survive. Mediterranean indian brown house white shouldered. The carpet tapestry moth is found worldwide and adult moths tend to be seen from april to october although this can vary depending on geographical location. All will settle where there is a supply of food resulting in an infestation where larvae can soon become a serious problem.

Alamy rather confusingly most of these moth species will sometimes switch from carpets to clothes and chew any natural fabrics like cotton wool and silk. There are four types of pantry moth to look our for within your kitchen.