Holes or thinning in wool do not identify the cause. Look at the damage edge, seam and location, then check for loose webbing or silk cases associated with clothes moths, or hairy larvae and cast skins associated with carpet beetles. Ordinary wear remains a credible alternative in traffic areas.
Start with material and use
Confirm the fibre label if available and record whether the rug is wool, a blend or synthetic. Photograph the whole item, the damaged patch and its underside. Damage beneath furniture or at a quiet carpet edge has different context from uniform thinning along a doorway.
BPCA describes clothes-moth larvae feeding on wool and producing irregular holes, loose webbing or fibre-covered cases. Its carpet-beetle guidance describes hairy larvae, cast skins and more defined holes along fabric seams. These are comparison clues, not a diagnosis from one photograph.
Preserve the source pattern
Check nearby wool clothing, felt pads, upholstered seams and accumulated fluff without spreading items to other rooms. Label specimens by exact location. An adult beetle on a window may have moved from a source elsewhere; a flying moth alone does not prove the rug is affected.
For a valuable rug, follow the maker's care label and consult an appropriate textile specialist before washing, heating or freezing. Pest treatment suitability and conservation are separate decisions.
Ask the inspection to compare alternatives
Request identification evidence, included textiles and concealed edges, and how follow-up distinguishes old damage from new. Date existing holes before treatment or cleaning so later comparison is possible.
Call 0203 393 2338, or read the clothes-moth service page.
Frequently asked questions
Do moths eat the wool as adults?
BPCA identifies the larvae as the damaging stage.
Are hairy skins a moth sign?
They point more towards carpet-beetle larvae, but keep a specimen for confirmation.
Should a valuable rug be removed immediately?
Ask how to contain and inspect it before moving it through the property.
Sources and further reading
External references may contain pest or skin photographs.
