They eat a lot.
Carpet moth larvae cocoon.
Eventually making a cocoon and hatching into moths to repeat the cycle.
The eggs are only 1mm long but once hatched into larvae search for food immediately and along with wool can consume cotton linen and silk.
The larvae do the real damage.
Synthetics aren t so much at risk.
The larvae then leave a mark everywhere they go.
Case bearing carpet moth larvae on fabric.
Each larva spins a cocoon when it pupates so the presence of silk like casings also indicate carpet moths.
Eggs hatch into larvae and larvae pupate into carpet moths.
Their larvae which are caterpillars are voracious eaters.
The carpet tapestry moth does not only feed on carpet but will also eat clothing fur animal skin and any textiles or upholstery made of natural fibres.
In warmer areas they can go from egg to pupation into adults in little over a month.
Let s look at how are they able to trespass on your property.
Tinea pellionella are carpet moth lavea in a cocoon case they look like tiny bullet shaped cotton bud tips with open ends and the creature sticks its head out and can move the cocoon usually up walls and are often found in the bases of divan beds.
Infested material is often littered with empty silk bags or cases figure 6 which resemble grains of rice.
Depending on temperatures and humidity conditions carpet moth larvae can live for up to nearly 3 years eating your home textiles that s for colder climates.
First and foremost any opening can be inviting for these moths.
The adult carpet moths can easily fly in through windows doors or cracks.
Alamy i f you have never heard of the case bearing carpet moth tinea pellionella you are lucky they have probably not invaded your home.
Some moths such as the clothes moth may find their way into homes.
The larva moults within the case and when fully grown it pupates within the cocoon and eventually the adult moth emerges to mate and lay eggs.
Carpet moths can cause expensive and upsetting damage once they find their way into your house.