Protecting Your Wool Rugs from Clothes Moths & Carpet Beetles in New York

If you’ve noticed bare patches, fine powdery debris, or strange damage along the edges of your rugs, it might not just be wear and tear. These tiny pests can cause serious harm—often before you even know they’re there.

Let’s walk you through what to look for and how Hoffman Carpet Cleaning can help protect your investment.

The Hidden Threat to Your Wool Rugs

Clothes moths (Tineola bisselliella and Tinea pellionella) and carpet beetles (Anthrenus and Attagenus species) are well-known enemies of natural fibers—and wool rugs are at the top of their list.

Here’s the thing: it’s not the adult insects that do the damage. It’s their larvae, which feed on keratin found in wool, silk, and other natural fibers. They thrive in dark, quiet areas—like under furniture or in rooms that don’t get much foot traffic.

Why It’s a Big Deal for New York Homes

In our area, these pests become more active from spring through early fall, especially as temperatures rise. The changing seasons in New York allow them to breed, hatch, and feed in cycles, often going unnoticed until visible rug damage occurs.

Many homes have guest rooms, basements, or seasonal storage spaces where rugs sit undisturbed—creating the perfect environment for infestation.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

• Bald or thinning patches on your rug
• Small, silky cases or webbing
• Fine dust or crumbs near rug edges
• Tiny beetles or larvae near windows or baseboards
• Shedding fibers, especially in quiet areas of the home

These clues are subtle, but early detection is key.

How Hoffman Carpet Cleaning Can Help

At Hoffman Carpet Cleaning, we’ve seen the kind of damage these pests can cause. That’s why we’ve developed a rug care process that’s designed not just to clean, but to protect.

• Our deep cleaning removes larvae, eggs, and organic debris that attract pests
• We inspect rugs carefully for signs of infestation
• We offer advice and aftercare to help you prevent reinfestation
• We treat every wool rug with the care and respect it deserves—because we know how much they mean to our clients

What You Can Do Right Now

• Vacuum regularly, especially around edges and under furniture
• Rotate your rugs to prevent prolonged stillness
• Avoid food spills and stains that can attract bugs
• Inspect any stored rugs before bringing them back into your home
• Schedule a professional rug cleaning once a year (or more often if needed)

Don’t Let Pests Steal Your Rug’s Story

Wool rugs aren’t just decoration—they’re part of your home’s identity. At Hoffman Carpet Cleaning, we’re here to help you keep them clean, beautiful, and free from damage.

Give us a call today to schedule a wool rug inspection or professional cleaning.
We’ll help you protect what matters—one rug at a time.