2023-10-26 20:00:59
It is very expensive to repair the damage caused by an invasion of moth larvae on our furniture. Learn how to detect the problem in time, thanks to the signs these insects leave.
Last update: October 26, 2023
Damage caused by moth larvae to furniture can go unnoticed. The problem is that, when you notice them, the impact has been noticeable on the wood.
These tiny tenants, seemingly harmless at first glance, are guilty of silent decay. In the worst case scenario, we will have lost a useful piece of our home. However, if we are attentive, we will detect it early and we will be able to save it.
What are moth larvae?
Moth larvae are the offspring of adult moths. These 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 a head, thorax and abdomen, and a life cycle that includes the egg, larva, pupa and adult stages. The main differences lie in their habits. Butterflies are usually diurnal and brightly colored, while moths are most active at night.
Moth eggs laid on wooden furniture will then hatch to give rise to larvae. In 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 food availability. When mature, they form a cocoon and emerge as winged moths. Although these adult forms do not directly damage furniture, they will lay new eggs that will bring more larvae.
This is what the moth larvae that invade the wood of your furniture look like.
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 generate. 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, but they They weaken the structure of the object and allow moisture to enter more easily.
2. Cracks
Cracks in wood are longitudinal cuts or marks. They can be shallow or very deep, towards the inside of the furniture. Over time, The cracks are enlarged by the weight of the wood itself. and because the structure that contains them is weakened.
3. Stains
The larvae leave stains on the furniture as they go about their task of eating the wood. After digestion, they expel waste that is capable of altering the color of the materials.
The furniture may look 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 undermine the internal structure of the furniture, causing it to change shape. Sags, frame twists, and tilts are possible. Of course, the situation will lead to the impact of operation and stability.
When pieces of furniture are separated, there will be alterations in typical movements. That is, a drawer won’t close or a shelf won’t stay in place.
5. Landslides
A damage that is not so secret or imperceptible is the detachment of a part of the furniture. This will happen because of large cracks and the loss of internal structure of the wood.
6. Odors
Moth larvae can contribute to unpleasant odors in wooden furniture. This is because, When feeding, they produce excrement and waste that decompose over time. Additionally, some moth species can carry fungal spores, which also contribute to the stench.
What to do if you discover larvae in your wooden furniture?
If you find signs of moth larvae in your furniture, like the ones we mentioned, it’s time to act immediately. Without timely treatment, the pest can spread, causing damage to other items in the home.
Follow these steps if you discover holes, cracks, or stains on your furniture:
Isolate damaged furniture: Separate the object that has signs of infestation so that the problem does not spread to other nearby furniture.
Do a superficial cleaning: Only with a damp cloth, go over the external part of the furniture and the internal sections that are accessible. The idea is to remove insect residue and resolve recent stains.
Aspire: If you have a vacuum cleaner, it would be ideal to use it through the recesses of the furniture with moths to remove as many larvae as you can. Next, you should clean the vacuum bag carefully and leave it outdoors to make sure there are no insects left.
Air: Take the infested object outside. In this way, you contribute to its insulation and improve the conditions of the wood, which can contain moisture and odors. If possible, let the furniture remain outdoors for a full day, as sunlight will cause moths, which prefer a dark environment, to flee.
Use natural remedies: Some essential oils, such as cedarwood, lavender and eucalyptus, have repellent properties. Cloves, with their strong aroma, can also expel moths. Place or spray these substances on the furniture, while it is outside, to cause the insects to escape. Another option is to place bags with cinnamon or black pepper inside the drawers, pursuing the same objective.
Consider adding a chemical or professional treatment: If the previous steps were not completely efficient, consult with specialists for a deep disinfection. Anti-woodworm formula is sold in hardware stores and may help, although it does not always expel the moth larvae (woodworm is a beetle).
Assess the damage and restore: When you are sure that there are no more moth larvae, it is time to plan a restoration of the wooden furniture. In small damages, DIY will help you cover holes and cracks. You will also have to sand and repair to regain functionality, especially in drawers. Greater damage will require consultation with restoration professionals; especially if the furniture is old.
Prevents in the future: With the furniture free of pests, it’s time to prevent the moth larvae from returning. To do this, place bags or containers with some of the natural remedies that we shared with you before inside the object.
A common problem that you can detect early
Moth larvae are a very annoying pest that causes serious damage to wooden furniture. That is why it is important to detect and eliminate them as soon as possible, following the advice we have given you.
Remember that the value of a piece of furniture decreases when it is damaged by insects. When you want to sell it, you are likely to receive lower offers.
And if you choose to restore the furniture yourself, you will have to face a significant cost. So before you get to that situation, check your home and take action.
You might be interested…
All cited sources were reviewed in depth by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, validity and validity. The bibliography in this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
Chimborazo, MND, Noboa, JSM, & Noboa, CHM (2023). Mechanical properties of wood with moth. Domino of Sciences, 9(2), 295-316.
#damage #moth #larvae #wooden #furniture