What’s the Deal with Moth Treatment and Protection for Wool Area Rugs?
One thing you DON’T want to happen with your area rugs is a moth infestation! Just one little moth can turn into a HUGE problem for you and the area rugs in your home - like the photos here in this article show! I’m Ruthie with Arizona Oriental & Specialty Rug Care in Prescott AZ and today I wanted to take a moment to talk to you about how you can work to prevent something I hate seeing - moth infestation in beautiful wool & silk area rugs!
I can’t tell you how many times I have seen a rug come into our shop that has been infested with moths - whether due to being improperly stored or just simply left in a room that doesn’t see a lot of activity. It’s always a little heartbreaking, especially when it’s one of the client’s favorite rugs! Unfortunately, some people just don’t realize what a threat that moths truly are to their area rugs here in Arizona - some seem to think “Well, I’ve never seen a moth in my home, so there’s no way I have a problem!” But you can never know that for sure.
Moths LOVE quiet, secluded places that provide a good source of food for their babies - like the wool area rug you have rolled up for storage in your garage or even lying under your couch or bed. Wool area rugs are like an all-you-can-eat buffet for moth larvae, and the quiet environment allows them to go through their lifecycle undisturbed! If there are animal accidents or even food and drink spills, the moths will hone in on that area because of the added protein.
If you have an area rug that has a moth infestation, you need to bring it in to us here at Arizona Oriental as quickly as possible! We will treat the rug to kill the infestation before cleaning and treating your rug as needed. Once we are done cleaning your rug, an estimate for repairs can be made if possible. Sometimes, the extent of the damage done by moths is far greater than what the rug is worth, but there are still some options available if you would like them.
If your rug is going to go back into storage for a while, Arizona Oriental can perform a special WoolSafe treatment that will help to protect your rug in the future. This Moth Treatment is invisible to us, but it makes the wool taste yucky and unappetizing to moths so they will stay away just like we want them to. It’s also safe for children and pets once it’s dried! We can also wrap your rug in a breathable storage wrap that will safely further protect your rugs from any rodents or other pests that may want to try some of your wonderful rug for themselves.
Just a head’s up, if you have a rug that has a moth infestation, please make sure you let us know BEFORE you bring your rug into our shop. We have a special procedure for handling moth-infested rugs (even if the infestation is inactive), and always like to be prepared or forewarned if we can!
Till next time, enjoy your beautiful art for your floor and remember a clean rug is a rug that can last you a lifetime!
Arizona Oriental & Specialty Rug Care serves Prescott, Prescott Valley, Sedona, Flagstaff, and much of the Northern Arizona areas. We meet the highest standards in professional cleaning of area rugs with rug wash specialists having earned the highest training, including certification as WOOLSAFE FIBRE CARE SPECIALISTS through the WOOLSAFE ORGANISATION. Such extraordinary certification ensures our client’s area rugs receive the highest quality care.
Call us for more information about protecting your area rugs from moth infestation and damage and for a free cleaning estimate at 928-445-1718, visit our website at www.ArizonaOriental.com, or stop by Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at our rug washing facility at 565 EZ Street, Prescott, AZ 86301 (pick-up and delivery also available). 4-18-2018
