Moths in Rugs: How to Spot Them and What to Do

Moths love wool—and your rug could be their next meal. Learn how to spot the signs early, treat infestations, and prevent costly rug damage.

A Hidden Problem That Can Do Serious Damage

It starts quietly. A corner of your rug looks a little bare. Some loose fibres gather near the skirting board. Maybe you spot a moth and think nothing of it.

Then one day, you lift your rug and discover a patch eaten all the way down to the foundation.

Moths are one of the most destructive—and overlooked—threats to your handmade rug. By the time most people notice the damage, the infestation is already well underway. And in our experience, untreated moth damage often leads to costly restoration work that could have been avoided.

Here’s how to spot the signs early, what to do if you find them, and how to protect your rug in the long term.

Why Moths Love Your Rug

Wool rugs—especially Persian and oriental hand-knotted pieces—are made from natural animal fibres, often rich in lanolin and protein (keratin). That’s exactly what moth larvae love to eat. The adult moths don’t cause the damage. It’s their tiny, barely visible offspring that chew through the pile.

They also hate light. So they favour the undisturbed, dark corners of your rug. Think under sofas, beds, or behind furniture where the vacuum rarely reaches.

And if your rug hasn’t been professionally cleaned in years? That’s a feast. Dust, skin cells, hair, food crumbs—it’s the perfect buffet for moths to lay their eggs.

How to Spot the Signs of Moths in Rugs

1. Thin or Bare Patches

The most obvious sign is areas where the wool has been eaten away. Often this damage reveals the warp and weft foundation threads underneath.

2. Loose or Crumbly Fibres

If you notice tufts or clumps of fibres coming loose from the pile—especially in hidden areas—there’s a good chance moth larvae have been snacking.

3. Small Cocoons or Larvae

Moth larvae look like tiny white worms, around 1cm long. They often nest in fuzzy white cocoons that blend into the wool.

4. Frass (Moth Droppings)

Frass looks like fine brown dust or sand. It gathers near damaged areas or underneath the rug.

5. Flying Adult Moths

You may see adult moths flying slowly near baseboards or out from under rugs. They’re tan, silvery, or dull golden in color—and they’re a warning sign that the lifecycle is underway.

What to Do If You Spot Signs of Moths

First: don’t panic. But don’t wait either.

Call a professional rug cleaning company that specializes in treating moth-infested rugs. DIY vacuuming or over-the-counter sprays won’t cut it—and could make the problem worse if done improperly.

At The Persian Rug Cleaning Company, we:

Seal and isolate moth-affected rugs immediately
Conduct a thorough immersion wash using cold water and woolsafe®-approved shampoo
Apply a specialist moth treatment during and after the wash, on both sides
Dry in a controlled environment to prevent any further damage

Our treatment works as a long-lasting repellent, making the rug unappetising to moths and interrupting their life cycle.

Prevention: How to Keep Moths Away

Moth damage is much easier (and cheaper) to prevent than to repair. Here’s how:

Let in Light

Open blinds and curtains regularly. Moths hate light, and even 15 minutes of exposure can disturb them.

Vacuum Consistently

Focus on the corners, edges, and underneath furniture. If you can’t vacuum under the sofa, rotate your rug every few months so that no area is neglected.

Clean Rugs Regularly

Have your rugs professionally cleaned every 1–2 years. This removes food sources and disrupts the conditions moths thrive in.

Use Moth Deterrents

Consider lavender sachets, cedar chips, or commercial moth traps near stored rugs or darker areas of your home.

Inspect Rugs Periodically

Lift and check both sides of your rug every few months—especially if it hasn’t been moved or cleaned in a while.

If It’s Already Too Late

Don’t throw it away just yet.

Even severely moth-damaged rugs can often be restored with skilled reweaving. We’ve repaired large moth-eaten patches on tribal and silk rugs alike, restoring their structure and value. But timing is key—the earlier we catch the damage, the better the outcome.

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