Clothes moths and pantry moths cause costly damage to textiles, carpets, and stored food in UK homes, often going unnoticed until significant harm has been done.
Typical Cost
£80–£200
DIY Possible?
For mild cases
Season
Year-round
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The two main moth pests in UK homes are the common clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella), which damages woollen garments, carpets, and other natural fibres, and the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella), which infests stored dried foods. It is the moth larvae, not the adult moths, that cause the damage — adult clothes moths are small, golden-coloured, and avoid light, making them easy to overlook. Moth infestations have increased significantly across the UK in recent decades, partly attributed to warmer homes and reduced use of traditional mothballs.
Vacuuming wardrobes, drawers, and carpet edges (especially under heavy furniture) to remove larvae, eggs, and food debris that sustains them. Wash or dry-clean affected garments. Vacuuming is the essential first step in any moth control programme.
Sticky traps impregnated with synthetic clothes moth or pantry moth pheromones that attract and capture adult male moths. These are excellent monitoring tools that help identify the extent of an infestation and confirm whether treatments are working, but they will not eliminate an infestation alone.
Placing cedar wood blocks, rings, or sachets of dried lavender in wardrobes and drawers as a deterrent. Cedar oil contains natural insecticidal compounds that may repel adult moths. Effectiveness diminishes as the scent fades, and these products are unlikely to resolve an established infestation.
Sealing infested garments or textiles in plastic bags and placing them in a domestic freezer at -18°C or below for at least 72 hours. This kills moth eggs, larvae, and adults. Allow items to return to room temperature and repeat the process after a week for thorough control.
Applying a residual moth killer spray to the inside of wardrobes, drawer interiors, carpet edges, and other areas where moth activity has been detected. Products containing permethrin or transfluthrin provide residual protection for several weeks. Avoid spraying directly onto delicate fabrics.
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Professional moth treatment may include a combination of insecticidal spraying, fumigation of affected textiles, and installation of monitoring traps. The cost depends on the extent of the infestation, the size of the property, and whether specialist treatment of high-value items is required. Heat treatment of individual rooms using industrial heaters is an effective but more expensive option for severe clothes moth infestations.
Clothes moth activity in UK homes occurs year-round due to central heating maintaining warm temperatures, though natural peaks occur in spring (April–May) and late summer (August–September) when adult moths emerge to mate and lay eggs. Indian meal moths similarly thrive in warm kitchen environments throughout the year. Historically, autumn was the traditional time for "putting away" winter woollens with mothballs, and this remains a sensible time to ensure textiles are properly cleaned and stored in sealed containers.
Not necessarily. Many moths found indoors are simply outdoor species attracted to light through open windows and are completely harmless. Clothes moths are small (6–8mm), golden-buff coloured, and strongly avoid light — they tend to scurry along surfaces rather than fly. If moths are fluttering around your lights, they are most likely not clothes moths.
Clothes moth larvae feed on keratin, a protein found in natural animal fibres such as wool, cashmere, silk, fur, and feathers. They are particularly attracted to garments stained with food, sweat, or body oils. Synthetic and cotton fabrics are not at risk unless they are blended with natural fibres or heavily soiled.
Traditional mothballs containing naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene are effective at killing moth larvae in enclosed spaces. However, they have a strong, unpleasant odour and contain chemicals that may pose health risks with prolonged exposure. Many people now prefer cedar wood, lavender, or sealed storage as alternatives, though these are generally less effective for active infestations.
Pantry moths (Indian meal moths) are larger than clothes moths, with distinctive coppery-brown wingtips. They are found in kitchens near stored food and are more likely to fly. Clothes moths are small, uniformly golden, and found in wardrobes, on carpets, or near textiles. Identifying the species is important as the treatment approach differs.
A good professional pest controller can significantly reduce and usually eliminate a moth infestation through targeted insecticide application and integrated pest management. However, prevention is an ongoing process — without continued good housekeeping, proper storage, and monitoring, re-infestation from external sources is always possible.
Silverfish are small, moisture-loving insects commonly found in UK bathrooms, kitchens, and damp areas, where they feed on starchy materials and can damage books, wallpaper, and clothing.
Fleas are a widespread pest in UK homes, particularly those with cats and dogs, causing irritating bites and requiring thorough treatment of both animals and the home environment.
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