If you’ve spotted moths fluttering around your London home, you might be wondering: how long do moths live in the UK? Understanding their lifespan can help you tackle an infestation before it spirals out of control. In this guide, a moth exterminator London from ThermoPest breaks down the life cycle of common UK moths, with a focus on London’s unique challenges. From eggs to adults, we’ll explore how long they stick around and why professional help might be your best bet to get rid of them.
Moths are a year-round nuisance in the UK, but in London, their presence feels amplified. The city’s humid climate and textile-rich homes—think wool carpets and silk jumpers—make it a moth haven. An article in Country Living notes that moths are increasingly common in British homes, with London’s dense housing adding to the problem.
The lifespan of a moth isn’t just about the adult you see—it’s the full cycle, from egg to larva to adult, that causes trouble. In London, where moths can spread between flats, knowing how long they live helps you act fast. Let’s dive into the details.
In London, you’ll mostly encounter clothes moths (Tineola bisselliella), which target wardrobes, and carpet moths (also Tineola bisselliella), which hit floor coverings. Case-bearing moths (Tinea pellionella) also appear, attacking clothes and upholstery. ThermoPest’s moth info page online can help you identify them. Their lifespans vary slightly, but all pose a threat.
Moths go through four stages—egg, larva, pupa, and adult—and each stage has a different duration. Here’s how long they live in the UK, with a London twist:
Total lifespan? From egg to death, moths can live 2-6 months in the UK, but in London’s conditions, it’s often on the shorter, faster end. For more, the Wikipedia page on clothes moths breaks it down.
Moths don’t live quietly—here’s how to spot them:
If you see tiny moths—golden-brown for clothes moths, beige for carpet moths—they’re adults laying eggs.
Want to cut their lifespan short? Try these DIY methods suited to London homes:
Seal delicate items in a bag and freeze for 48 hours—cold kills moths fast.
Lavender, cedar, or rosemary oil can deter adults. Place them around your house, but they won’t stop larvae.
Pheromone traps catch adult males, slowing breeding. They’re a start, but larvae keep the numbers up
These can trim the moth population, but in London, they often don’t solve the root issue.
Moth eggs and larvae are tough, hiding in carpet fibres or clothing seams. DIY might miss these, letting moths live on. In London—where pests can hop between homes—professional help is often needed to break the cycle.
ThermoPest’s moth exterminators target every stage—eggs, larvae, and adults—with London-specific solutions. Here’s how:
Heat treatment kills moths with high temperatures, no chemicals needed. ThermoPest’s main moth treatment page shows how it works for London homes.
Safe insecticides hit hidden spots, applied by pros who know London moth habits.
ThermoPest inspects your house to identify the moth type and scale, crafting a plan to cut their numbers for good.
With ThermoPest, you’re not just reducing moths—you’re wiping them out.
Moths don’t just appear—here’s how they get in and how to keep them out:
Moths might live just months, but their damage lasts. Replacing a ruined carpet or silk shirt in London can be pricey. Acting fast—DIY or pro—saves you from bigger bills.
How long do moths live in the UK? In London, their 2-6 month cycle moves fast, wreaking havoc on your home. From egg to adult, clothes and carpet moths leave holes and bald patches—but you can stop them. DIY might shorten their stay, but ThermoPest’s professional solutions end it for good. Don’t let moths live rent-free in your home—contact ThermoPest today for expert help and a moth-free space.
