Insect infestation:
Insect pests are becoming an increasing problem and are causing damage to rugs and carpets that are costly to repair. With climatic changes creating the perfect atmospheric conditions for insects to breed, along with the withdrawal of many insect proofing agents due to their carcinogenic properties, we have seen a considerable increase in the amount of rugs brought in to us over the last few years containing insect infestations. The most common insect species in the UK are Clothes moths and Carpet beetles .

When and where they are found?
Carpet beetles and moths fly indoors readily in the spring and summer months to lay eggs. Moths prefer little disturbed; dark warm conditions such as carpets, under furniture, the back of rugs and stored textiles. The female moth will lay eggs on wool, fur, feathers, skins or soiled silk.

Bird's nests and dead animals in attics are ideal breeding ground for insects, so attics and disused chimneys should be checked regularly and any nests found disposed of.

Insects like to feed on soiled areas of textiles.

How do I identify them?

Moth:
The larva resembles a small yellow/white maggot.

It will leave a trail of grazed textile with fragments of excreta (frass). The cocoons it spins resemble silk like sheets or tunnels. This looks like a slug has left a trail across the textile .

Adults are small dull fawn moths about 5-7mm long.

- Monitor the areas insects are most likely to breed and make a point of moving undisturbed furniture.

- Vigilance and sticky monitoring traps incorporating a pheromone lure will provide the earliest warning signs of insect presence.

- If you are storing rugs make sure they are clean as the larvae are particularly attracted to feeding on soiled rugs.

- Do not store rugs in plastic, even though this is the best way to keep insects out, as this can damage them. Instead wrap them in canvas and check regularly for any infestation.

- Mothballs can be used when storing rugs however they have been found to be carcinogenic so avoid use if the rug is to be stored inside the home.

What shall I do if I find evidence of insect infestation?

- Do not reach for the nearest can of insecticide as this can harm your rug.
- Isolate the rug(s) so that the infestation cannot spread.
- We do not recommend mothproofing agents for use on Oriental rugs due to the long-term harmful residual effects.

- Contact us for advice on the range of safe treatments that we offer without the need for chemicals. The search for alternatives to insecticides has intensified in recent years after concerns over the effects of chemicals on objects, people's health and the environment.

The workshops have carried out extensive research into the field of natural/organic insect eradication using processes that are harmless to the textile including:

Heat treatment or freezing to eradicate insect pests such as moth and carpet beetle.

Implementing monitoring systems to prevent infestations.

For an extensive fact sheet and more information please contact us