Textile pests

SIGNS OF TEXTILE PESTS INFESTATION

Evidence of a textile pest infestation may commonly be found in carpets and other stored products, such as blankets and fine knitted goods. Identifying problems with textile pests becomes even easier once you know the signs to look for and where.

Regular inspections and monitoring will help to identify a problem early to ensure fast and effective textile pest treatment. This will help to reduce the risk of long term damage to sensitive and valuable items, even leather book bindings and woodwind instruments.

Signs of damage may only become visible after an infestation has long been established. Clothes moth and carpet beetle larvae feed deep in the carpet pile in dark and undisturbed areas, meaning infestations may go undetected for years, particularly if the areas are not regularly cleaned.

If you have items in your home or business that could be at risk, it is critical to regularly look for other visible signs of an infestation to identify a problem early.

SIGNS OF ACTIVITY

Live or dead adult insects – such as carpet beetles or textile moths, often found gathered around window openings are an indication of an infestation. To confirm their presence, move heavy items of furniture to expose carpet underneath. Look for moths that may scurry or fly from behind or underneath furniture.

Faeces and shed skin – carpet beetle larvae produce faecal pellets about the size of a salt grain and shed brown shell like cast skins. These will be concentrated in the source area of infestation. Part the carpet pile to expose the backing in several areas under furniture, around skirtings and in corners, and examine for the presence of insect droppings. Examine the surface of the carpet in the same areas for loose or eaten pile and insect debris such as silk threads, cocoons, tubes, cases and cast skins. Carpet pile will be removed on vacuuming in areas of severe infestation.

Larvae – textile pest larvae prefer to hide in quiet, dark, undisturbed locations such as under large items of furniture (that are not often moved) or in wardrobes or closets. Carpet beetle larvae have alternate light and brown striped bodies and are covered with dense tufts of hair – giving them the nick name “woolly bears”.

Eggs – check for eggs of textile pests, as they are often laid in air ducts, cupboards, wardrobes, under furniture as well as on textiles and fabrics.

DAMAGE CAUSED BY TEXTILE PESTS

Textile pests are usually attracted to natural fabric items such as carpets, tapestries, rugs, leather book bindings, upholstered furniture, silks and feathered items. Their presence will usually be indicated by insect debris (droppings and/or silk threads) around the damaged area.

Woollen products – In general, untreated woollens products stored unprotected in cupboards for several months are more prone to insect damage. Wool textiles that are frequently used and regularly washed or dry-cleaned are unlikely to suffer damage from textile pests unless infestations occur nearby.

Knitted goods – Insect damage to fabrics and fine knitted goods usually takes the form of irregular shaped holes where yarns have been completely severed and eaten, much like the damage small caterpillars can do to leaves of plants.

Other items at risk – include pillows, mattresses, cushions and furniture with traditional fillings such as feathers or horse hair. Brushes and paint brushes made with natural bristles, and pads and felts in woodwind instruments (especially if stored for long periods of time) may also be found with damage.

HOW TO GET RID OF TEXTILE PESTS

Hygiene plays a vital role in both the prevention and treatment of textile pests. we have access to multiple control methods, which can provide quick and efficient control of an infestation in your home or business.

Non-chemical methods of control

Non-chemical solutions include the simple act of vacuuming. This plays an important role in removing cast skins and eggs, which helps to break the natural lifecycle of textile pests and reduce their population in your property. Where possible, regularly washing fabric items and carefully storing clothes, will also help to keep your items safe from damage.

Vacuuming – ensure you vacuum upholstered furniture and underneath items of furniture, not just carpets and rugs. Carpet edges next to skirting boards should also be carefully vacuumed. Pet bedding should also be regularly cleaned. It is important to immediately discard the content of your vacuum cleaner outside of your property.

Storing clothes – if you intend to store clothing for a long time, you should ensure all items have been washed and are clean. Wrap up items in plastic to keep them safe from textile pests.

Chemical Control

Our chemical control solutions involve the careful use of insecticides in areas identified with signs of an infestation. Insecticides may be applied through the method of surface-space sprays or dusts.

Furniture may have to be moved and carpets and rugs pulled back to ensure appropriate treatment to all affected areas.

We advise our customers to de-clutter and ensure a thorough vacuuming of all carpet areas prior to insecticidal treatment.

Surface sprays – surface sprays for insecticidal treatment are usually used when clothes moths or carpet beetles have been identified as the invading pest species. This treatment is commonly applied to areas in your property where textile pests are known to feed.

Space sprays – we use space sprays to kill moths or beetles that have been spotted on ceilings, walls or furnishings. It should be used together with other applications to ensure penetration of infested fabric items.

Dusts – insecticidal dusts can be used on carpet edges to control and eliminate larvae. It may also be used extensively in a roof cavity found with an infestation due to the presence of bird nesting – another valuable feeding site for the larvae of textile pests.