2024-03-12 07:00:25
It is very expensive to repair damage caused by an invasion of moth larvae on our furniture. Learn to detect the problem in time, thanks to the signs that these insects leave.
Last update : 12 mars, 2024
Damage to furniture caused by moth larvae may go unnoticed. The problem is that when you notice them, the impact is noticeable on the wood.
These tiny tenants, seemingly harmless at first glance, are guilty of silent decadence. However, if we are attentive, we can detect them early and save the furniture.
What are moth larvae?
Moth larvae are the offspring of adult butterflies. They are insects of the order Lepidoptera, like butterflies.
Moths and butterflies share many characteristics. Such as having four wings covered in scales, a body divided into head, thorax and abdomen, and a life cycle that includes egg, larva, pupa and adult stages. The main differences lie in their habits. Indeed, butterflies are generally diurnal and brightly colored, while moths are more active at night.
On the other hand, moth eggs laid on wooden furniture then hatch into larvae. At this stage, they can feed on wood. In doing so, they create holes and tunnels, leaving a trail of sawdust.
They can remain in the larval stage for months or even years, depending on the environment and availability of food. When mature, they form a cocoon and emerge as winged butterflies. Although these adult forms do not directly damage furniture, they will lay new eggs which will bring more larvae.
What damage do moth larvae cause to wooden furniture?
The type of wood, the shape of the furniture and its location will determine the degree of damage that the larva can cause. Detecting these signs in time will allow you to act before it is too late.
1. Holes
If you notice small holes in your furniture, 1 to 3 mm, they may be caused by moth larvae. Not only do they alter the aesthetics, more they weaken the structure of the object and allow moisture to penetrate more easily.
2. Fissures
Cracks in wood are longitudinal cuts or marks. They can be shallow or very deep, towards the inside of the furniture. Over time, cracks become larger due to the weight of the wood itself and the weakening of the structure which contains them.
Also read: Foods that attract moths to your home
3. Stains
The larvae leave stains on furniture when they feed on the wood. After digestion, they expel waste likely to alter the color of the materials.
Furniture may appear dirty or worn, with dark or light marks. In some cases, the stain will become permanent and affect the appearance of the furniture.
4. Deformations
Cracks can weaken the internal structure of the furniture and cause it to change shape. Sags, frame twists and tilts are possible. Of course, the situation will have an impact on the operation and stability of the furniture.
When furniture is separated, there will be changes in typical movements. In other words, a drawer doesn’t close or a shelf doesn’t stay in place.
5. Detachment of part of the furniture
A damage that is not so imperceptible is the detachment of part of the furniture. This will happen due to large cracks and loss of the internal structure of the wood.
6. Odors
Moth larvae can contribute to unpleasant odors in wooden furniture. Indeed, when feeding, they produce droppings and waste that decompose over time. Additionally, some species of moths can carry fungal spores, which also contribute to the stench.
What to do if you discover moth larvae in your wooden furniture?
If you find signs of moth larvae in your furniture, like the ones we’ve mentioned, it’s essential to act immediately. Without prompt treatment, the parasite can spread and damage other items in the home.
Follow these steps if you discover holes, cracks or stains on your furniture:
Insulate damaged furniture. Separate the item that shows signs of infestation so the problem doesn’t spread to other furniture nearby.Perform superficial cleaning. Only use a damp cloth to cover the exterior part of the furniture and the accessible interior parts. The idea is to remove insect residue and resolve recent stains.Vacuum cleaner. If you have a vacuum cleaner, the ideal would be to use it in the corners of moth-ridden furniture to eliminate as many larvae as possible. Next, you should clean the vacuum cleaner bag thoroughly and leave it outside to make sure no bugs remain.Ventilate. Take the infested item outside. In this way you contribute to its insulation and improve the conditions of the wood, which can contain humidity and odors. If possible, leave furniture outside for a full day. Indeed, sunlight will scare away moths, which prefer a dark environment.Use natural remedies. Some essential oils, such as cedar, lavender and eucalyptus, have repellent properties. Cloves, with their strong aroma, can also repel moths. Place or spray these substances on furniture, when outdoors, to repel insects. Another option is to place cinnamon or black pepper packets inside the drawers, pursuing the same goal.
Other tips…
Consider adding a chemical or professional treatment. If the previous steps have not been completely effective, consult specialists for thorough disinfection. Wood moth repellent formula is found at hardware stores and can help. Even if it does not always expel moth larvae (the woodworm is a beetle).Assess damage and restore. When you are sure there are no more moth larvae, it is time to plan a wooden furniture restoration. For small damages, you can seal holes and cracks. You will also need to sand and repair to regain functionality, especially in the drawers. More extensive damage will require consultation with restoration professionals. Especially if the furniture is old.Prevent for the future. With the furniture free of pests, it’s time to prevent the return of moth larvae. To do this, place bags or containers containing some of the natural remedies that we shared with you before inside the object.
Moth Larvae in Wooden Furniture: A Common Problem You Can Detect Early
Moth larvae are a very annoying parasite that causes serious damage to wooden furniture. This is why it is important to detect and eliminate them as early as possible, following the advice we have given you.
Finally, remember that the value of furniture decreases when it is damaged by insects. When you want to sell it, you will likely receive lower offers. If you choose to restore the furniture yourself, you will face a significant cost. Before you get to this situation, check the other furniture in the house.
All sources cited have been thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, timeliness and validity. The bibliography for this article has been considered academically or scientifically reliable and accurate.
Chimborazo, MND, Noboa, JSM, & Noboa, CHM (2023). Mechanical properties of wood with moth. Domino of Sciences, 9(2), 295-316.
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