Learning to Communicate with Your Cleaning Service

Posted on: 21 April 2015

Is your carpet developing bald patches? Unlike humans, carpets do not naturally develop bald spots as they age. If this is happening in your home, it's likely due to an infestation of carpet moths. These pesky little creatures lay their larvae in your carpets, where they feed on its fibers. If you think you may have carpet moths in your home, it's important to act quickly to ensure the problem is taken care of before your carpet ends up entirely bald. Follow these steps:

1. Use an insecticide spray on the carpet.

Visit your local home goods store, and look for a carpet spray intended specifically for killing carpet moth larvae. You may have to visit a few stores or order online, but rest assured – these products are out there. Then, follow the instructions on the label to treat your carpet. Likely, you'll be instructed to liberally spray the solution on all of the bald patches in your rug. You should also treat hidden areas, such as behind furniture, since larvae may be hanging out there and preparing to munch on your carpet. Depending on the product, you may be told to re-apply the spray several more times over the coming days or weeks.

2. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum.

A few days after treating your carpet, bring out the vacuum and give your carpet the most thorough vacuuming it has ever experienced. This will remove any dead moth larvae, and hopefully also any lingering live larvae that the insecticide didn't kill. Vacuum along baseboards, under furniture, and in all of the other hard-to-reach places. When you're done vacuuming, dispose of the bag outside, so the larvae don't return to your rug or hatch into moths.

3. Watch for progress.

Over the next week or two, keep a close eye on your carpet. Watch the existing bald patches, and make sure they don't get any larger. Also, watch for the appearance of any new patches.

4. Call a professional if the bald patches keep expanding.

If you do suspect that the bald patches are getting larger, or if you see new ones forming, it's time to call a professional. Sometimes when the larvae are very deep in the rug, or when they have been around for a while, they are hard to completely kill with the insecticides sold in stores. A professional will have access to stronger products and better cleaning equipment to ensure the moths are eradicated, never to return again. To find out more, contact a business like Lelia's Cleaning Service, Inc.