When Moths Attack (Your Rug, That Is…)

19. September 2008 by Dean of Clean.

Today’s post is about moths and rugs…seldom a good combination.

People talk about moths eating their rug, but it’s actually the larvae that feed on the wool. And, if it goes unnoticed for long, they can do substantial damage. They’ll tend to feed down at the bottom of the pile, so the first clue you may have is when a piece of the rug or a portion of the pile fibers get sucked up while vacuuming, leaving only the foundation yarns.

If you find moth damage, or see moths and larvae in or around the rug, call a professional rug cleaner immediately. They can evaluate the extent of damage and the best course of action to prevent further damage. (They may also be able to re-weave the damaged area, or have it done by a competent weaver.)

The rug should be removed from the house and cleaned as soon as possible, and the house should be treated to remove the pests while the rug is gone, so that it comes back to a clean, moth-free environment.

After cleaning and repair, the rug can be treated with a moth repellent that denatures the wool fibers, making them literally taste bad to the larvae, so they won’t want to stay around! (NOTE: Moth repellents are not poisons or insecticides, which require application by a licensed pest control professional.)

If you have an oriental, persian or tribal rug with moth damage in Durango, Colorado, please feel free to call me at 385-5777 for a free consultation!

Get free spot removal tips and current specials at www.ultrasteamcleaning.com

Learn more about fine area rug cleaning at www.rugmastersofdurango.com

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