How do i stop moths eating our carpet?

[southeast-isher]

How do i stop moths eating our carpet? Is there any safe treatment option?

[The Riff-Raff Element]

How do i stop moths eating our carpet? Is there any safe treatment option?

I assume that the damage is being done by the lavea? My temptation would be to do a thorough manual going over to remove the grubs (can you hang the carpet up outside? A good old fashioned beating would help.) and then to spray with a solution of tea tree oil.

But, to be honest, this is my approach to all domestic infestation issues - head lice, dog fleas, the lot. Mind you, it does seem to work.

[pelmetman]

Not really sure but wondered if you have, or could hire a steam cleaner this may help.

Sue

[Green Aura]

Moths hate cloves and peppermint (they're not that keen on lavender either). I make moth bags out of a mix of these for drawers, wardrobes etc.

For a carpet I'd mix them with a load of bicarb of soda. Let them marinate for a few days to impart their smell through the bicarb. Then use it like shake n vac every time you hoover or sweep the carpet.

That will only repel the moths - if they've already laid (or whatever it is they do ) I don't think it would kill the pupae.

[southeast-isher]

Thanks. Well we can't hang the carpet. We do have a steam-cleaner that we could borrow. What solution is cheapest/best is it lavender, cloves, peppermint, or teatree oil? Will try mixing with baking powder how described. Cheers :-)

[red]

use the scent you can live with

all of these things are just to disguise the smell of yummy wool that the wool moths are attracted to.

Also - they like dark damp places - so move the furniture about a tad.

and vacuum the little darlings up!

if you know you have a moth problem in the house - think about other woolly things - they will eat jumpers and suits hanging in your wardrobe. anything you can, you can bag up and freeze and that will kill of any caterpillars that have turned up.

[southeast-isher]

thank you Red

[sda]

Didn't they used to store woollens in cedar chests to keep the moths away? Cedar oil can be bought from the health food type shops.

[yvette]

A bit of cedar wood in your cupboards also help - you can buy quite expensive cedar balls and shaped hanging things, but any old bit of cedar wood will do. Sandpaper it occasionally to renew the smell.

[wolfhazel]

There are already a lot of tips here which most likely will work, I've heard that they don't like the scent of lavender... I put sachets / bags of lavender in my wardrobe and chest of drawers etc and have never had any problem with moths, it also leaves my clothes smelling nice... so perhaps putting lavender in the room where they are eating the carpets will deter them and make them look for a new home...

All the best,

Anne

[British Red]

Borax on the carpet - sprinkle thickly, leave 48 hrs, hoover up. Done.