Fantastic Pest Control Warns Early Summer Is Driving a Rise in Moth Infestations Across London Homes

LONDON, England — May 26, 2026 — LONDON, UK - 26th May - Fantastic Pest Control is warning London households to take early summer moth prevention seriously as rising temperatures and seasonal wardrobe changes create ideal conditions for infestations to spread inside homes.

According to internal operational observations from the company’s XRM ServiceOS™ platform, moth-related enquiries typically begin increasing between late spring and August, particularly in London flats and properties with limited ventilation, heavy carpeting and built-in storage spaces.

Pest specialists say many infestations become noticeable during seasonal wardrobe rotations, when households unpack stored summer garments, linen clothing, wool items and other natural fibre textiles that may have remained undisturbed for months.

“People often don’t realise the damage is already happening long before they notice holes in clothing,” said Rune Sovndahl, CEO of Fantastic Services.

“By the time moths become visible, larvae may already be deep inside wardrobes, carpets, upholstery and soft furnishings.”

Summer Linen and Natural Fibre Clothing Increasingly at Risk

While moth infestations are traditionally associated with winter knitwear and wool garments, pest experts say summer fabrics are becoming increasingly vulnerable as more households invest in breathable natural fibre clothing and premium textiles.

Linen garments, silk dresses, tailored clothing, rugs and upholstered furniture can all attract moth activity when stored improperly or left undisturbed for long periods. Specialists say traces of sweat, skin cells and food residue on fabrics can create ideal breeding conditions inside wardrobes and storage areas.

Fantastic Pest Control notes that compact London living spaces, limited airflow and densely packed wardrobes can accelerate infestations during warmer months.

Victorian and Edwardian properties with older carpeting, reduced ventilation and extensive textile storage may face elevated risks during peak summer temperatures.

Hidden Infestations Often Spread Before Homeowners Notice

Unlike adult moths, which cause little direct harm themselves, larvae feed on keratin-rich natural fibres commonly found in clothing, carpets and household textiles.

Because larvae often remain hidden inside wardrobes, rugs and upholstered furniture, infestations may continue undetected for weeks or months before visible damage appears.

Common warning signs include:

Small holes in garments and fabrics
Damage to carpets, rugs and upholstery
Silky webbing near skirting boards or wardrobe corners
Cream-coloured larvae around stored textiles
Moths appearing in darker or low-traffic areas
Musty odours in wardrobes or storage spaces

Pest professionals say many households only discover infestations once damage has already spread beyond clothing into carpets and furnishings.

Heat Treatment Becoming More Popular for Severe Infestations

Fantastic Pest Control says professional heat treatment is becoming increasingly popular for larger infestations that spread beyond wardrobes into multiple areas of the home.

The company’s heat treatment process raises room temperatures to approximately 60°C in order to target moths across multiple life stages, including eggs and larvae hidden deep inside fabrics, furniture and flooring.

According to the company, heat treatment can help reduce the need for repeated pesticide applications while improving penetration into hard-to-reach areas where moth activity often continues unnoticed.

“Early summer is often when hidden infestations begin accelerating rapidly indoors,” Sovndahl added.

“Starting prevention earlier and acting quickly once activity appears can help households avoid extensive damage to clothing, carpets and soft furnishings later in the season.”

Experts Recommend Early Prevention During Peak Summer Months

Fantastic Pest Control recommends several preventative measures during early summer:

Vacuum carpets, rugs and skirting boards regularly
Wash or dry-clean garments before storage
Avoid leaving textiles undisturbed for long periods
Improve ventilation inside wardrobes and storage areas
Store natural fibre clothing in sealed containers
Inspect hidden storage spaces regularly
Arrange professional inspections if moth activity increases

Pest specialists say early intervention remains one of the most effective ways to reduce long-term textile damage and prevent infestations from spreading throughout the home.

About Fantastic Pest Control

Fantastic Pest Control is part of Fantastic Services, a leading provider of domestic and commercial property services in the UK. The company supports London homes and businesses with pest control solutions, including mice control, rat control, bed bug treatment, moth control, wasp nest removal, flea treatment, cockroach control, pest inspections and pest proofing.

For more information about moth prevention, professional moth heat treatment and pest control services across London and the UK, visit Fantastic Pest Control.