CLOTHES MOTHS & CARPET BEETLES

Carpet pests can be a real problem. A pest infestation can put you out of business, or you
can make a lot of extra money, preventing infestations. Do nothing, and the former will
happen, it’s just a matter of time, do something proactive, and the latter will happen. Just
imagine how your client feels when she finds holes in her cherished wool and silk rug. Imagine
how you would feel if you find holes in the rugs in your shop? Holes in your rugs, your client’s
rugs. Moths and beetles flying around your place. Do not allow this to happen!

Clothes moths and carpet beetles are surprisingly common. Clothing moths are reportedly on
the rise worldwide. Carpet beetles are one of the most common household pests. Here is a
list of the top clothes moth cities in the U.S. (study from 2021).

#1. New York
#2. Boston
#3. Philadelphia
#4. Cincinnati
#5. Dallas
#6. Chicago
#7. Portland
#8. Atlanta
#9. Los Angeles
#10. Minneapolis
#11. Orlando
#13. Santa Fe
#14. Denver
#15. Pittsburgh

As you can see, these carpet pests are everywhere. How do we get rid of them?

The good news is, these pests are dirty players. They do not like clean! Your best defense
against them is to have clean rugs! Studies show that clothing moths will die of starvation on
clean wool. Moths seem to love urine contaminated wool. They are hungry for protein rich
soils, like dead skin, body sweat, amino acids, insect carcasses, milk, coffee, and beef gravy.
The moth larva (caterpillar) require vitamin B to survive and clean wool does not provide it,
but dirty wool can. This is an important reason to have protein fiber rugs cleaned on a
regularly scheduled basis. And includes blends too, i.e. wool and rayon etc. Vacuuming often is also very important. Vacuuming removes food source soils, eggs, and maybe a moth or two.
It is important to vacuum dark undisturbed places like under furniture, in closets, even under
the rug and baseboard edges.

Placing rugs in storage is where the most pest damage can occur, if not done properly. Talk
about dark and undisturbed places. Always wash rugs and treat rugs with Resist Wool
Preservative before storing. Make sure to wrap the rugs for protection, but never use
wrapping material that will trap moisture as mold and dry rot can occur. Place a rug pest
detector in the storage or a nearby area. Check every month and replace pheromone refill
every 90 days. You should consider giving or selling a Rug Pest Detector to every customer
that has a wool, silk or leather rug. Blends using protein fibers too. The Rug Pest Detector
traps all four of the rug pests; case making clothes moth, webbing clothes moth, black carpet
beetle and the varied carpet beetle. You need one in your shop to protect your rug inventory
and your reputation. The cost is low and the value is very high. Guard against other pests, like
mice, too. Keep the storage area cool and dry.

What should I do if I get a rug with moth or beetle damage? Rule number one, Do Not allow
the rug into your vehicle or shop until you can inspect and treat it. Recommend that the client
call a professional pest control company to inspect their home and its contents. Recommend
that all protein-based items and furnishings be inspected, cleaned and treated. Do not forget,
leather furniture, clothing, stuffed toys, wool blankets and quilts, feather pillows, taxidermy
trophy mounts, etc. If you find eggs, silk webbing or casings & cocoons, larva (caterpillars)
and/or adult moths, you must isolate the contaminated rug from other rugs. Most put the
rolled up rug into lay flat ducting and seal both ends. Work with a professional pest control
company to apply the correct pesticide to the rug(s). We manufacture a minimum risk
pesticide which is EPA (FIFRA) exempt. So if allowed in your state, you can apply Resist
PreTreatment to decontaminate the rug yourself. Follow the label directions to kill moths
(eggs, larva, pupa and adults), odor-causing bacteria, carpet beetles, bed bugs, fleas and
spiders. Now that the rug is decontaminated, it is time for the washing!

Cautions:

1. Always inspect and pre-test. Document and photograph. Note all pre-existing damage.
2. Do Not allow pest contaminated rugs into your vehicle or shop. Decontaminate outdoors.
3. Inspect for missing fibers, holes, and weak areas. And look on both front and back. Quote
for repairs before washing.
4. If leather or vinyl strips are sewn on back edges, remove to reach areas where pests and
their eggs hide. Recommend that they not be replaced.
5. Insist in requiring moth proofing treatment to protect you shop and other rugs. Quote cost.
6. Have release of liability signed before washing.

Cleaning procedures:

1. Dust rug. Spend extra care to thoroughly remove as much dry soil and dead insect & pest
matter as possible.
2. If no color issues, wet out with cool, clear water front and back.
3. Apply Triple Deodorizing Rug Shampoo solution to entire rug including fringes, front and
back.
4. Work in with a hand brush, shampooer or other method, front and back, including fringes.
5. Allow a dwell time of 10 to 20 minutes.
6. Flush rinse rug with cool, clear water front and back, until rinse water runs clear.
7. (A) Squeegee, roll, wring out, extract or centrifuge to remove excess water.
(B) If using a flat bed washer or other system, run through as normal.
8. Apply Resist Wool Preservative solution to entire rug front and back. Follow label
directions. Wear appropriate PPE. Must completely cover and penetrate rug. Work in
with hand brush or other tool.
9. Clean up and rinse off all tools, sprayers, floors and shoes to remove Resist Wool
Preservative residue.
10. Speed dry. Use heat drying if possible. High heat will kill microorganisms, eggs, larva, pupa
and adults and not just rug pests but other types too. How hot is hot enough? The
following is recommended; 105°F for 4 hours, 120°F for 1 hour or 150°F for 30
minutes. Remember this needs to penetrate all the through the rug, so you need a
little more time for heating up, then cooling down.
11. Groom rug and comb out fringes.