Moths in the home: how do I get rid of them?

If you find holes in woollen clothing, check the textiles for larvae and webbing. If there are moths in the kitchen, also check flour, grains, nuts and pet food. An adult moth flying around the house does not automatically tell you where the source is.

Drain flies can resemble small moths, but they are flies. A moth-like insect near a drain is therefore not necessarily a clothes moth or food moth.

1. Record where moths, larvae or damage are visible. Check both the suspected source and nearby storage.

2. Keep suspect textiles separate; discard affected food supplies. Clean cupboard seams, corners and the surrounding area.

3. Treat affected textiles only with a method suitable for the material. Follow the care label and advice from reliable sources.

4. Store clean textiles and unaffected supplies in securely closed containers. Check again if you continue to see activity.

A forgotten bag of pet food or a rarely used woollen item can go unnoticed. Do not look only where adult moths are seen.

Traps can help track activity, but do not deal with an affected source. Setting more traps is no substitute for a targeted inspection.

Ask for identification if you are still unsure what you are seeing, or if activity returns after dealing with the source. KAD can help identify the species. For delicate textiles, a textile-cleaning specialist can advise on suitable treatment.

This information is also intended for households. RBL provides services to businesses; you can discuss an inspection for a shop, warehouse or other business.