Connection between fish tanks and clothes moths?

[Frazzledmum77]

Major clothes moth infestation in teenage DD’s room. Yes it was filthy and cluttered (not anymore!). Damage to the carpet is so bad I think we’re going to have to rip it out. Never had them before and wondering why it’s happened. Damage/eggs/larvae cases worst near her fish tank, where fish food (high protein bug bites) and fishy water will have been splashed on the floor … also fish tank has a blue light on all night. She got the fish tank 2 years ago. I’m not saying the moths came with them, just wondering if the tank/water/extra food source make the perfect storm .. anyone else experienced this?

I have never posted on a housekeeping thread before but this is a fascinating hypothesis and I can't wait for someone more knowledgeable than me to answer your question

Yes I would have thought that’s a perfect storm for moths: attracted by the light of the tank, the food and the damp.
I read somewhere that fish oil is like crack for moths- they flock to it so they could be attracted by the fish or their odour?

I think you moths lay their eggs in moss like plants too- the larvae may be in the tank?

A moth infestation needs thorough treatment to rid the room of eggs and larvae.

Id be wanting to get rid of the fish tank to be honest, or move it elsewhere? 😩

If your carpet is damaged, I would suggest having a wool carpet is the issue. You're basically providing bed and breakfast throughout the room. Dirty and cluttered will be helpful for them to hide. Bit of fish food would be welcome, but it's the wool carpet that needs to go.

Guess how I know!

Moths love high humidity so yes….

Oh!!! This is fascinating! I've been plagued with clothes moths since moving and having two tanks in the same room.

In my old house, I had a tank in two separate rooms with very high ceilings. This house is a tiny cottage, two tanks in one room and I've been infested with moths for the past 3yrs - been here 4yrs.

That sounds awful!
What measures have you taken to tackle the infestation? A moth infestation won’t go away on it’s own unfortunately.