UK Landlord Forum / Life

It is estimated that around 1.5 million homes in the UK experience problems with moths, and it's an issue that is getting worse. With central heating, the moth life cycle has now become active all year around, and it seems that inner cities are the worst hit areas. Finding moths can cause significant distress. Problems range from disgust at moth larvae in rugs, horror at holes in expensive jumpers, worry about wool carpets to food moths in kitchen cupboards. 

Here are some tips for both landlords and tenants on how to stop carpet moths -

1.   CLEAN - Move furniture away from edges of the carpet and thoroughly vacuum the carpet (both sides if possible) also paying particular attention to skirting boards and crevices

2.   KILL - Spray the carpet deep into the pile and on the underside if possible to kill any eggs and / or larvae - also consider foggers for severe infestations; producing an insecticide smoke that pests cannot avoid

3.   MONITOR - Place moth traps close to affected areas to monitor for adult moths and to break the breeding cycle

4.   REFRESH - Vacuum deep into edges regularly, keep moth traps current and replace every 3 to 6 months plus consider respraying regularly – please remember, with warmer houses carpet moth damage and infestations are now a year-round problem. Moth prevention is better than cure.

A recent feature in early 2012 about Moth Prevention on the BBC's THE ONE SHOW and several related discussions on BBC RADIO 2 over the past year highlight just how widespread the problem has become. Good luck, and happy moth-free living!