4 Tips How Protect your Rugs from Moths:

Moth infestations are detrimental to any textile containing animal fibers such as wool. These fibers contain keratin, a fibrous protein that certain species of moths and moth larvae feed on. Larvae can destroy your Persian or Oriental rug at rapid speed.

Use these 4 tips to help prevent moths from infesting your textiles.

1. Vacuum regularly.

Every week vacuum the face of your rug and every month vacuum the underside of the rug, rug pad, and the floor beneath. If you have furniture on your rug, move it regularly to vacuum underneath.

2. Clean up spills quickly and thoroughly.

Moth larvae are particularly attracted to protein-based soiling found in pet hair, food stains, blood or urine stains. If you do not remove these stains successfully it is best to contact your local rug expert and have your rug professionally cleaned.

3. Regularly inspect for moths and insects.

Moths prefer to lay eggs and live in undisturbed dark areas. Check for moths behind wall hangings, corners of the floors and underneath furniture. If you have concerns, call your local pest control company.

4. Have your rug professionally cleaned.

A highly-rated rug cleaning service will clean your rug thoroughly, including the backing, fringe, and deep into the fibers. Ask your local rug cleaning company about Fiber Protection to help against stains that attract moths.

Your rug is MOST susceptible to moths if it is soiled when it is placed in storage.

Indicators That You May Have Moths:

1. Broken or loose fibers on the surface of the rug.

This could indicate the larvae have eaten the fibers where the knots are connected to the rug’s foundation. In this case you will see broken strands of fiber on the surface of your rug.

2. The foundation of the rug is exposed.

Larvae may completely eat the wool leaving only the cotton foundation of the rug. The cotton foundation looks like a grid. If this cotton grid is showing you may have moths.

3. Granules are found in the rug fibers.

Granules look like sand and are larval excrement. They can filter down through the fibers and may even be seen on the back of the rug.

4. Larvae are visible.

Larvae are creamy colored and worm like with a dark head. They create silken threads that appear like webbing. Recently hatched larvae sit on top of the fibers until they have built their cocoons.

5. Cocoons are visible

. Moth cocoons are small, fuzzy or sticky cylinders. It is important to look closely because larvae often camouflage their cocoons to the color of the fibers.

6. Adult moths are present.

If you have an adult moth in your home or on and near your rug it is likely that they have already laid eggs.

If any of these indicators are present, contact your local pest control. Then call your local Atiyeh Bros. cleaning professionals. Another important tip to keep in mind is that proper long tern rug storage can protect your rugs from insect damage.