Moths

Once inside your home, certain species, such as clothes moths or carpet moths, can cause severe damage to natural fibres like wool, silk, or cotton. These pests target everyday items including carpets, clothing, fabrics, furs, and even leather.

The real culprits are the moth caterpillars, which cause damage by eating the protein (keratin) found in these natural materials. This puts your most delicate or expensive items at significant risk, especially if they are stored away in drawers, wardrobes, or under beds for long periods.

If you suspect an infestation in your home or business, contact Rentokil Ireland immediately. Professional treatment of both the adult moths and their larvae is essential to stop the problem before it quickly spreads to other areas of your property.

As experts in the habits of moth species, our technicians are able to offer tailored solutions and preventative advice. We have a variety of solutions to quickly resolve moth infestations in your home or business. Our treatments include using insecticide and fumigation methods to chemical free ‘heat pod’ treatments suitable for even delicate items.

Call us to find the best solution for your home or business.

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  What attracts moths to your house?

  Different species are drawn to Irish homes for various reasons depending on their specific dietary needs. Clothes moths are attracted to dark, undisturbed areas containing animal fibres like wool or silk for their larvae to feed on, whereas pantry moths are lured by accessible food sources such as cereals, flour, chocolate, and dried goods.

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  What is the best way to remove moths?

  While prevention is the most effective strategy, using DIY moth repellents can help protect your clothes and carpets from initial damage. However, for established infestations, a professional treatment is the most reliable way to ensure that both the adult moths and their hidden, destructive larvae are completely eradicated from your property.

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  How long do moths live?

  The typical lifespan of a moth ranges from 30 to 90 days, depending on the species and environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. While the adults have a relatively short life, the larval stage can persist for significantly longer, causing continuous damage to fabrics or food stores during that time.

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  What do moths eat?

  Contrary to popular belief, adult moths do not eat your clothes; they primarily consume liquids such as flower nectar, sap, or rotting fruit to maintain their energy and water balance. The actual damage is caused by the larvae, which hatch from the 50 to 1,000 eggs a female can lay and possess chewing mouthparts designed to eat animal fibres like wool, cashmere, and silk. To reduce the risk of larvae surviving in your fabrics, it is highly recommended to regularly wash or dry clean clothing made from natural materials.

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  How do I get rid of moths quickly?

  To eliminate moths rapidly, you must simultaneously remove all infested materials and apply professional-grade treatments to kill hidden eggs and larvae. Start by deep cleaning wardrobes or pantries and washing all affected fabrics at 60°C to break the lifecycle. For the fastest results, Rentokil’s professional solutions target moths in hard-to-reach crevices, ensuring the infestation is cleared much quicker than using DIY methods alone.

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  What is the most effective moth deterrent?

  The best deterrent is a combination of high hygiene standards and secure storage for natural fibres like wool and silk. Regularly vacuuming dark corners and using airtight vacuum-sealed bags for seasonal clothing prevents moths from accessing the keratin they need to survive. Since moths are attracted to human scents, ensuring clothes are freshly laundered before storage is the most effective way to discourage them from settling in your home.