Protecting Carpets and Textiles in Dollis Hill Homes
Moth and beetle larvae feed on keratin — the protein in wool, silk, fur and feathers. A synthetic carpet holds little for them. A large house full of natural fibres, with rooms that are only occasionally used, holds a great deal.
The rooms most at risk
Guest bedrooms, dining rooms and formal front rooms that are cleaned less often; stairs and landings where the carpet edge meets the skirting; the floor under a heavy bed, bookcase or sofa that has not moved in years; and wardrobes of stored woollens.
Moths or beetles?
Carpet moth larvae are smooth and creamy, and leave silky tubes and webbing in the pile. Carpet beetle larvae are brown and bristly, and leave shed skins. Adult beetles gather on sunny windowsills in spring; adult moths hide and flutter in dim corners. Both are priced the same way, at £180 for the first room and £60 for each additional room.
Rugs and valuable textiles
If you have antique or hand-knotted rugs, tell us before treatment. A pest treatment deals with the insects; it does not clean, repair or restore a textile, and damaged pieces may need a specialist rug cleaner or restorer afterwards.
What you can do now
- Vacuum under furniture and along every carpet edge, not just the open floor
- Lift rugs and check the underside and the floor beneath
- Store woollens clean, in sealed bags or boxes
- Check lofts and eaves for old bird nests, a common beetle source
