Signs of a fabric pest infestation

Evidence of a fabric pest infestation may commonly be found in carpets and other stored products made from natural fibers. Identifying problems with fabric pests becomes even easier once you know the signs and where to look.

Regular inspections and monitoring will help to identify a problem early to ensure fast and effective fabric pest treatment. This will help to reduce the risk of long-term damage to sensitive and valuable items in your business.

If you have questions about a potential fabric pest issue on your commercial property, contact us online today.

Signs of activity

• Live or dead adult insects - Such as carpet beetles or fabric moths, often found gathered around window openings, are an indication of an infestation. To confirm their presence, move heavy items of furniture to expose the carpet underneath. Look for moths that may scurry or fly from behind or underneath furniture.

• Feces and shed skin - Carpet beetle larvae produce fecal pellets about the size of a salt grain and shed brown shell-like cast skins. These will be concentrated in the source area of infestation. Part the carpet pile to expose the backing in several areas under furniture, especially around skirtings and in corners, and examine for the presence of insect droppings. Examine the surface of the carpet in the same areas for loose or eaten pile and insect debris such as silk threads, cocoons, tubes, cases and cast skins.

• Larvae - Fabric pest larvae prefer to hide in quiet, dark, undisturbed locations such as under large items of furniture (that are not often moved) or in wardrobes or closets. Carpet beetle larvae have alternate light and dark brown striped bodies and are covered with dense tufts of hair.

• Eggs - Eggs of fabric pests are often laid in air ducts, cupboards, wardrobes, and under furniture, as well as on textiles and fabrics. However, eggs are very difficult to see with the untrained eye.

Damage

Fabric pests are usually attracted to natural fabric items such as carpets, tapestries, rugs, leather book bindings, upholstered furniture, silks and feathered items. Their presence will usually be indicated by insect debris (droppings and/or silk threads) around the damaged area.

• Rugs - The most common item that gets damaged by fabric pests are woolen rugs. As woolen rugs can be expensive, we strongly recommend that you check them frequently for signs of fabric pests.

• Woolen products - In general, untreated woolen items stored unprotected in cupboards for several months are more prone to insect damage. Wool textiles that are in frequent use and regularly washed or dry-cleaned are unlikely to suffer damage from fabric pests unless infestations occur nearby.

• Knitted goods - Insect damage to fabrics and fine knitted goods usually takes the form of irregular-shaped holes where yarns have been completely severed and eaten, much like the damage small caterpillars can do to plant leaves.

• Other items at risk - Damage can be done to pillows, mattresses, cushions and furniture with traditional fillings such as feathers or horsehair. Brushes made with natural bristles and pads and felts in woodwind instruments (especially if stored for long periods of time) may also become damaged.

Have you noticed these signs?

If you have noticed any of these signs in or around your property, our skilled Technicians are standing by, ready to help. We will identify the exact fabric pest species invading your business. With access to leading innovative solutions, we will ensure effective treatment, which will prevent future re-infestations.

Call Rentokil at 1-855-633-6260 for treatment for fabric pests or contact us online today.