Our Top 6 Tips to Protect Your Wool Rugs From Pesky Moths

If you’re finding unexpected holes in your wool rugs or soft furnishings, you might be dealing with unwelcome guests: moths. At Duke Brothers Oriental Rug Cleaning, we’ve seen it all too often. These little creatures can become enamored with your precious rugs or clothes and cause surprising destruction in a short period of time. Let’s take a look at what you should know about these moths, prevention tactics, and the best moth treatment available in the Norfolk area.

A Moth Overview

Moths, particularly the webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the casemaking clothes moth (Tinea pellionella), are small insects that are notorious for causing damage to wool rugs, carpets, and clothing. These pests thrive in dark, undisturbed areas and mostly feed on natural fibers like wool. Why? They're attracted to the protein keratin, which is in animal-based products.

These little invaders lay eggs on your wool rugs, and the larvae that hatch are the ones doing the real damage. They consume wool to gain the nutrients they need to grow, leaving holes and destruction along the way.

These pests are small and discreet, making them hard to spot until significant damage is done. The larvae leave behind fecal pellets and shredded fibers, which are both telltale signs of an infestation. If left untreated, a moth problem can lead to extensive damage, ruining your treasured wool rugs and carpets.

Moth Prevention Strategies

Good housekeeping and regular maintenance are your first lines of defense against moths. Here are six practical tips for prevention:

1. Regular Cleaning: Vacuum areas under furniture, along baseboards, and in closets where debris may accumulate.

2. Proper Storage: Store wool items in airtight containers or bags when not in use.

3. Inspection: Frequently check hidden areas of your wool rugs for signs of moth activity.

4. Sunlight: Moths avoid light, so periodically expose rugs to sunlight to deter infestations.

5. Professional Cleaning: Hire Duke Brothers Oriental Rug Cleaning to clean your rugs and carpets to maintain good condition.

6. Professional Moth Treatment: Ask us to do a treatment to keep larvae and moths away from your rugs and carpets.

Our Trusted Wool Rug Moth Treatment

When it comes to an effective moth treatment, our rug care professionals at Duke Brothers Oriental Rug Cleaning are here to help. Our treatment is designed to not only address existing infestations but also prevent future ones. Here's what to expect:

• Non-Toxic and Safe: Once applied and dried, the treatment solution is completely non-toxic and safe for both people and pets.

• Long-Lasting Protection: The treatment makes the wool rug or carpet unappetizing to larvae, discouraging them from feeding. This protection lasts for an impressive 10 years or until the rug is washed.

• Regular Observation: It's helpful to regularly check hidden areas of your wool rug, and don't ignore the faintest sign of a moth.

These moths and their larvae may be small, but the damage they cause can be significant. So, when you're ready to take steps for moth prevention in your Norfolk or Virginia Beach area home, Duke Brothers is just a phone call away. Contact us at (757) 780-9073 or request a free quote online today!

Sydney Crawley, Matt Bertone, "Clothes Moths and Carpet Beetles: Identifying and Controlling Fabric Pests," NC State Extension Publications, published June 14, 2021, accessed April 4, 2025, https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/clothes-moths-carpet-beetles-controlling-fabric-pests.