Dubliners have been urged to be on the lookout for flying critters that can cause significant damage to clothes.
Dublin accounted for the most callouts for moth infestations in the last five months at 19% followed by Galway (15% of callouts), Cork (11%), Waterford (7%) and Kerry (3%). Moth larvae can damage and create holes in clothes, carpets, blankets, and curtains as well as stored goods by feeding on the keratin contained in animal fibres such as wool, fur, silk, feathers, felt, and leather.
These insects breed and become more active in the spring months. Textile moths are most likely to be found in spare bedrooms, under mattresses, infrequently used wardrobes, and attics.
