Moth-beaten: Weather brings plague of pests

A RECORD number of moths and their larvae are wreaking havoc in our wardrobes – due to a mild winter and early start to spring.

Call- outs to exterminators over the garment-munching bugs more than doubled between February and March.

Cases of clothes moth infestation have also risen by a third in the year up to the end of March.

David Cross, head of Rentokil Pest Control’s technical training academy, said: ‘The indoor population of clothes moths has been bolstered by the early onset of spring that we are currently experiencing, and the unusually mild winter that we have just had.’

The moths are also posing a menace to Britain’s stately homes – where they eat through historic tapestries, carpets and garments. Amber Xavier-Rowe, English Heritage’s Head of Collections Conservation, said: ‘ The warmer weather has not helped and in the last five years the number of clothes moths we’ve captured on our traps has doubled.’

The moths’ caterpillar larvae feed on protein found in natural materials such as wool, silk, and fur. Rough-edged holes in clothing or bare patches appearing on carpets and rugs are a sure sign of the insects at work.

Higher temperatures are known to accelerate their reproductive cycles, making wardrobe invasions more likely.

Mr Cross added: ‘If you can count five to six moths in a room then it’s likely that you’re experiencing a serious infestation and I recommend that professional help is sought.’

Clothes moth larvae are a centimetre long and creamy white with a brown head. Adult moths are 68mm long with straw- coloured unmarked wings.