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Are Carpet Moths Dangerous?

Written by PestMan Editorial TeamTechnical review pendingPublished Updated

Quick answer

Carpet moths are not harmful to people or pets. They don’t bite, sting or spread disease, and the adult moths don’t even feed. The harm is to belongings: their larvae damage wool carpets, rugs, clothes and heirlooms. The bigger safety risk is often the treatment, because mothballs and some moth products are poisonous to children and pets if swallowed.

Why this happens

Clothes moth larvae feed only on natural animal fibres, and adults live for a few weeks without feeding. Neither stage bites people or animals, and they are not known to carry disease.

Mothballs usually contain naphthalene or similar chemicals that are toxic if swallowed, and their vapour is meant to be contained in a sealed space. Children can mistake them for lollies, and dogs and cats may chew them.

What you can do

  • Focus on protecting fabrics: clean, sealed storage and regular vacuuming.
  • If you use mothballs or moth products, keep them in sealed containers out of reach of children and pets, exactly as the label directs.
  • If someone swallows a mothball or moth product, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 straight away, or 000 if they are unwell. For pets, contact a vet.

What not to do

  • Don’t leave mothballs loose in wardrobes, drawers, cars or anywhere children and pets can reach them.
Safety first

If anyone swallows a mothball or moth product, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 immediately, or 000 in an emergency. Keep moth products in sealed containers, away from children and pets, and use them only as the label directs.

When professional help may be needed

There is no health reason to call a professional for carpet moths. Consider one for widespread or recurring carpet damage, or if you would prefer not to handle moth products yourself.

Carpet Moths

Small, pale moths whose caterpillars eat wool, silk, fur and feathers. They chew holes in carpets, rugs, clothes and blankets, usually in dark, undisturbed places such as under furniture and inside wardrobes.

Species mentioned

Webbing Clothes Moth

Tineola bisselliella

The most common clothes and carpet moth in homes worldwide, including Australia. Its larvae eat wool, silk and fur under patches of silk webbing.

Guide

How to Pest-Proof Your Home

A practical, room-by-room approach to reducing pests without relying on chemicals: remove what attracts them, close the ways in, and make your property less comfortable for them.

Guide

Pest Prevention Checklist

A printable seasonal checklist of simple, low-cost tasks that reduce pests around Australian homes, with the reason behind each step and extra lists for renters, apartment residents, pet owners and Queenslander owners.

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Sources & further reading

PestMan provides general information only and does not replace licensed pest-management, medical, veterinary or structural advice. Always read and follow product labels. Read our disclaimer.