Getting rid of moths yourself

Wash or freeze affected items

Wash garments at 60°C where the fabric allows. For anything that cannot be washed, freeze it for 72 hours at -18°C. Seal the item in a bag first, then leave it in a freezer. Both are standard methods for clothes moths.

Put cleaned items in sealed bags or boxes. Open wardrobes and loose storage give moths a way back in.

Vacuum thoroughly

Vacuum the inside of the wardrobe, drawers, shelves and the floor beneath. Move furniture and vacuum along skirting boards, because larvae hide in dark edges. Empty the bag or bin outside straight away. Repeat each week while you see moths.

Use pheromone traps to monitor

Pheromone traps catch adult moths and show where they are active. They do not clear an infestation on their own, but they tell you whether your cleaning is working. Place one in each wardrobe or cupboard and replace as the label says.

Protect clothes afterwards

Once your clothes are clean, store them well. Keep natural fibres in sealed bags or boxes, and do not put items away dirty, because stains can make clothes harder to protect. Check wardrobes every few weeks, and look in dark corners and the backs of drawers. Moths in heated homes can breed all year, so regular checks matter more than a seasonal clear-out.

Sprays and the law

Consumer moth sprays, including those with permethrin or transfluthrin, are legal if used as the label directs. Do not spray clothes you will wear unless the label says it is safe. Professional-only products are not sold to householders. There is no licence or species protection for clothes moths, pantry moths or carpet beetles.

Carpets and rugs

For a rug, vacuum both sides, shake it outside and, if it is washable, wash it. For a fitted carpet, vacuum along the edges and under furniture every week, and empty the bag outside. A carpet infestation is hard to clear by DIY, and the damage can spread under furniture. If you find larvae in the carpet itself, treat it as a job for a professional.

Pantry moths: clear the food

For pantry moths, throw away infested dry goods and do not keep open packets. Wipe the shelves, vacuum the corners and store food in sealed containers. Check every packet, including pet food and bird seed, before you restock.

Check what you have first

Moths and carpet beetles need much the same treatment, but pantry moths need a different one. Check which you have with our identification guide before you spend money on a product. A clothes-moth spray will not help with pantry moths in the kitchen.

How long it takes and when to stop

PestPro Index says DIY can take three to six months of steady effort, because eggs and pupae survive. Call a pest controller for a carpet infestation, for several rooms, for heritage textiles, or when traps keep catching after three months. See moth treatment for what a professional does and the cost guide for what it costs.