I seem to have lots of small moths in my house. Anyone else?

[MrsMuddle]

Well, the title says it all really. They're about 1.5cm long, and they're in every room. I hate the smell of mothballs, but I would like to get rid of them. Are they coming in from outside or is there a nest or something somewhere? How do I find out, and how do I get rid of them? TIA

They don't mind soap - but hate being disturbed so tend to nest in things left quiet in the back of wardrobes - or underneath rugs.

I never notice if threads are Zombies, but have been interested to read the advice this morning, as I appear to have a lot of little moths just lately. I've watched them, and they seem to be going into a little lidded wicker basket where I keep my out-of season- shoes. I'm going to have to take a peek, aren't I? Also have noticed one or two orange-coloured maggoty/caterpillary-type things from time to time, about 2cm in length and wondered what they are - could they be clothes moth larvae? They are usually found in the bathroom, so looking for moisture? Yeuch!!

If not, then I need to have the whole house fumigated [schock]

fail

Evans,

Are your orangeish things hairy (that sounds odd! Sorry!)?

You say they're mostly in your bathroom...but is it carpeted/ have rug which is rarely moved?

If so, they may be carpet beetle larvae. I think the offspring of clothes moths are usually white/ grey (well, mine have been anyway...with dark heads).

Have just read pure wool is their favourite meal. Typical. New wool rug in place for past 2 months...I'm going to have to pluck up courage and examine the underneath, aren't I?

Same article states that any sweat/ make-up remnants/ food particles on clothes attracts them (advises washing them on temperature higher than 48 degrees...apparently, my eco-friendly 30 is useless).

Delicate, silk or handwash only items etc. are to be put in freezer for 12 hrs.

And, disgustingly, eggs and larvae removed from carpets/ soft furnishings can breed within vacuum cleaner dustbags/ cylinders.
It suggests immediately replacing/ emptying and thoroughly cleaning the actual flipping vacuum after each and every use.

No way I've got time for that.

Hi Autumnal - no, not hairy. They are slim and smooth with teeny, tiny little legs, look like maggots but move more like caterpillars. Sort of fluorescent-type light orange bodies, but dark orange heads. I have tried looking online, but found nothing. Hard floors, and mats are washed regularly.

Just plucked up the courage and looked in my wicker shoe basket, and no evidence in there of anything at all, just a bit of dust and fluff.

Thanks for your reply - it is a mystery!

Right, my plan of action will be to find an old pure wool scarf (bait), smear it with make-up, put it in dark box with a few access holes and place some of the pheromone catchers AStick recommends both in the box and around other areas.

Worth a try?
Will report back.

I'm in a really old property, so lots of uneven skirting boards and gaps in woodwork etc...they're probably breeding inside any of those. Urghh.

Have just checked measurements on my ruler - the little orange things are not 2cm long, more like 4mm (and there was me, trying to be all up-to-date and using modern new-fangled measurements). Sorry - they are little!

Can you identify your moths from this poster? www.english-heritage.org.uk/content/learn/conservation/2543455/2543024/insect-pests-poster

It's an unusual source but it covers the most common moths that infest houses. If you can identify the type, then you can find out out what to exterminate them with.

Hi I noticed some moths during the last week I took a pic for it can I attach it here ?

Moths seem like they come from nowhere but are confined to one of the bathrooms. There are no clothes in that area and no carpets throughout the house. They love to sit inside the toilet bowl and I often flush the water in trying to get rid of them but they reappear the next night. Have placed jars filled with moth balls in that area but nothing is happening. Got some glue strips but they away from them. I kill between 12 and 20 every night before I go to bed and 1. I do not know where they come from 2. There is no carpet nor food where they are and 3. Have no idea how to get rid of them. Any new idea? Should I try to place a bomb or two and see what happens?

I know we're more than 7yrs older since you've posted, but I'm interested if this worked for you AutumnalLeaves38, I'm getting an influx of these critters, it's so annoying & frustrating