Moths cause untold amounts of damage. And while clothing moths are bad enough, in some cases carpet moths can be even worse. That’s because replacing damaged carpets can cost a fortune. So here’s the question. What’s the best way to kill carpet moths? Carpet moths are one of the four most common types of moths that infest UK homes. But is getting your carpets steam cleaned enough to destroy these pests, and will doing this actually get rid of them for good?
Can you get rid of moths using steam cleaning?
All pests have a temperature at which they die. For moths it’s around 50°C. At this point the moths are killed along with their eggs and larvae. Water boils (and creates steam) at 100°C. This means that steam cleaning is more than able to kill carpet moths.
If you have carpet moths, then getting your carpets professionally steam cleaned is a great idea. That being said, whatever the cause of carpet moths in your home, there are some things you need to know. To start with, moths do not only lay their eggs on carpets. These pests can also deposit their eggs in areas like your curtains, sofa, soft furnishings and other furniture. They can even lay their eggs on your walls and ceiling.
This means that you would also have to steam other items. This can be accomplished with a hand steamer. You can also put some items in your washing machine, if that’s more convenient. Just remember that the heat should be above 50°C (and leave the items in for at least an hour).
One drawback with this method is it’s hard work
Steaming everything in your home is a pain. Not only that, professionally carpet cleaning is expensive. Also, there’s no guarantee that the moths will not return, so keep that in mind. But this is also why you may want to investigate pest control treatments.
Some pest professionals have a way to kill carpet moths that also uses heat. The only difference is that there’s no steam involved. Instead a heat generating machine is placed in the infested room. This machine warms up the air until the required 50°C is reached. At this point, the carpet moths die, along with all eggs and larvae.
Another method London moth control experts may also use to kill carpet moths is fumigation. If you’re having problems with carpet moths, then this is something you’ll definitely want to try. It is an inexpensive yet effective way to deal with the problem of an infestation.