Why Do Moths Find Oriental Rugs So Delicious?

Why Do Moths Find Oriental Rugs So Delicious?

Moths are an absolute nuisance. If you’ve ever picked up a sweater to find it covered with small holes, you’ve had experience with these insects. Or, as is the focus of this article, if you’ve ever seen your favorite oriental rug starting to look like Swiss cheese, you too have met moths.

Since you’re reading this guide, you’ve probably noticed at least one oriental rug in your house has been victimized by moths. While you can’t undo the damage, the information in this guide will help you understand more about why moths ate your rugs in the first place and what you can do to prevent future issues.

What Causes Moths to Eat Fabric?

Many people are under the mistaken impression that adult moths eat clothes, rugs, and linens. In reality, it’s their larvae. The two species of moths that eat natural fibers (think wool, cotton, and cashmere) need keratin to survive into adulthood; this protein is found in natural fibers. They are also attracted to the dark, which is why closets are a popular breeding ground for them.

Why Are Oriental Rugs at Such High Risk?

Moths love oriental rugs for a variety of reasons. For one thing, they are large, which means they have a lot of surface area for thousands upon thousands of larvae to be laid. For another, they are typically made of 100% natural fibers.

This is attractive to moths due to the aforementioned keratin content. Remember, many clothes are cotton or wool blends, so they do not necessarily contain as much keratin per fiber as a rug.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to mothproof your home, protecting your rugs and your clothes from future infestations. Although there are plenty of DIY solutions, such as using mothballs or lavender, the only sure thing is to contact extermination experts who can take the proper steps to keep your house moth-free for years to come. Contact our oriental rug supplier for rug mothproofing services!