Signs of a fabric pest infestation

You may notice signs of a textile pest infestation in carpets, rugs, and other stored items made from natural fibers. Knowing what to look for and where makes it easier to catch an issue before it becomes serious.

Routine checks and early monitoring can help spot problems before they cause lasting damage to delicate items. Acting quickly reduces the risk and supports more effective treatment.

Signs of activity

Signs of a textile pest infestation may only become visible after an infestation has long been established. Clothes moths and carpet beetle larvae feed deep in the carpet pile in dark and undisturbed areas, meaning infestations may go undetected for years, particularly if the areas are not regularly cleaned.

If you have items in your home or business that could be at risk, it is important to regularly look for visible signs of an infestation to identify a problem early. Check for the following fabric pest signs:

• Live or dead adult insects: Dead carpet beetles or fabric moths, often found gathered around window openings, are an indication of an infestation. To confirm their presence, move larger items of furniture to expose the carpet underneath. Look for moths that may scurry or fly from behind or underneath furniture.
• Feces and shed skin: Carpet beetle larvae produce fecal pellets about the size of a salt grain and shed brown, shell-like cast skins. These will be concentrated in the source area of infestation. Part the carpet pile to expose the backing in several areas under furniture, around skirtings, and in corners, and examine for the presence of insect droppings. Examine the surface of the carpet in the same areas for loose or eaten pile and insect debris such as silk threads, cocoons, tubes, cases, and cast skins.
• Larvae: Fabric pest larvae prefer to hide in quiet, dark, undisturbed locations such as under large items of furniture (that are not often moved) or in wardrobes or closets. Carpet beetle larvae have alternate light and brown striped bodies and are covered with dense tufts of hair, giving them the nickname “woolly bears”.
• Eggs: Check for eggs of fabric pests, as they are often laid in air ducts, cupboards, wardrobes, under furniture, as well as on textiles and fabrics. However, eggs are very difficult to see by the untrained eye.

The other clear indicator of fabric pest activity is damage to clothing, rugs, and fabric furnishings. Check out the kinds of items a fabric pest can damage, and what that looks like, below.

Have you noticed these signs?

With nearly a century of experience, we know how to manage infestations. Our technicians will identify the specific pest affecting your home or business and guide you through the right fabric pest control treatment plan.

We use proven methods to help get rid of pests and reduce the risk of them coming back. Call Ehrlich at 800-837-5520 for help with fabric pests.