Below are the top questions customers often ask about MothOut products, along with clear, friendly answers. For easy navigation, we’ve grouped the FAQs by topic. Click on a question to collapse or expand the answer.
Yes. MothOut products are supplied in line with UK safety regulations and applicable standards, so you can use them with confidence in UK homes.
Where required by law, our products are formally registered with the UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) (for example, our moth control sprays are approved biocidal products and hold an official HSE registration number).
Our pheromone-based monitoring traps do not contain insecticides and are supplied as non-biocide monitoring devices. They have been reviewed and confirmed as compliant with relevant HSE requirements, meaning they do not require biocidal product registration while still meeting UK safety and consumer standards.
Yes. Our pheromone traps are non-toxic and contain no insecticides. The lure is species-specific to moths and is harmless to people and pets.
The only thing to be mindful of is the sticky surface. Place traps out of reach of children and pets (to avoid contact with the glue). If the glue gets on hands or fur, it can be removed with mild soap and warm water, or a little cooking oil first and then soap.
No. MothOut pheromone traps are pesticide-free. They use a pheromone attractant and a sticky surface to catch moths—without sprays, poisons, or fumes.
Yes. Pheromone traps are ideal for indoor areas like bedrooms, wardrobes and living rooms because they are non-toxic and do not release fumes. If you are using a spray product, always follow the label instructions and allow treated areas to dry/ventilate as directed.
No. The traps are designed to be low-odour and do not stain fabrics when used correctly. Keep traps on shelves, floors, or hanging points—not pressed directly against delicate textiles.
Yes. “Carpet moths” are typically a type of clothes moth. In most UK homes, the insect people call a carpet moth is usually the Case-Bearing Clothes Moth (often referred to as a “case-bearing moth”).
Our MothOut Clothes Moth pheromone traps are designed to attract the main clothes moth species that can affect carpets, rugs, upholstery and clothing — including the Case-Bearing (carpet) moth. So if you’re seeing carpet damage or moth activity around rugs or soft furnishings, these traps are a great way to treat the clothes moth population in those areas.
For best results, place traps near the affected carpets or rugs (for example: under furniture, along room edges, behind curtains, or near skirting boards), where moths tend to hide and breed.
MothOut clothes moth traps use a species-specific pheromone blend designed to attract clothes moths — the moths responsible for damage to fabrics, carpets, and upholstery.
These pheromones are formulated to attract the most common and destructive clothes moth species found in UK homes, including:
These species are responsible for the vast majority of damage to clothing, carpets, rugs, soft furnishings, and natural fibres such as wool, silk, and cashmere.
Clothes moth traps will not attract pantry or food moths. Kitchen moths use a completely different pheromone system, so a separate trap is required for food-storage areas.
MothOut pantry moth traps are designed to attract common food-infesting species, including:
Using the correct trap for the correct moth type is essential for effective monitoring and control. Clothes moth traps should be placed in wardrobes, bedrooms, living areas, and near carpets, while pantry moth traps should be used in kitchens, cupboards, and food storage areas.
If you’re unsure which moth species you have, using traps as a monitoring tool is a safe and effective way to identify activity and choose the right treatment.
No—clothes moth pheromones will mainly attract moths already active in your home. The lure is species-specific, so it doesn’t “invite” random outdoor insects in. Occasionally a non-target insect may land on the glue by accident.
The trap contains a pheromone that mimics a female clothes moth scent. Male moths follow the scent, enter the trap, and get stuck on the adhesive surface. Catching males helps reduce breeding and is an excellent way to monitor moth activity.
Pheromone traps target adult moths (mainly males) and are excellent for monitoring activity and reducing breeding. However, they do not attract eggs or larvae, which are usually hidden within fabrics, carpets, and cracks where damage occurs.
To fully tackle an infestation, traps should be used as part of a combined approach. This includes thorough cleaning measures such as vacuuming affected areas, washing washable items at higher temperatures, freezing delicate fabrics, and storing vulnerable textiles in sealed containers.
For additional control—especially where larvae may already be present—we recommend considering our MothOut Moth Killer Spray. It is designed to treat carpets, rugs, wardrobes, skirting boards, and other problem areas where larvae and emerging moths may be hiding.
You can find more information about the spray here: https://mothout.co.uk/spray
Using traps alongside targeted treatment and good housekeeping provides the most effective long-term protection against moth infestations.
Setting up MothOut traps is quick and straightforward. Open the sealed pouch, write the activation date on the bottom of the trap, peel off the release paper to expose the sticky, pheromone-infused surface, then fold the trap into its tent shape. Place or hang the trap so the open ends are unobstructed.
For best results, position traps in quiet, dark, and undisturbed areas where moths are most likely to hide and breed. Recommended locations include:
Avoid placing traps in direct sunlight, strong airflow, or next to repellents such as lavender or cedar, as these can reduce how well moths follow the pheromone scent.
Tip: Write the activation date on the bottom of the trap so you know when to replace it (each trap remains effective for up to 3 months).
Place traps near signs of activity or damage: inside wardrobes, under beds/sofas, behind curtains, along carpet edges, and in quiet corners. Moths prefer dark, undisturbed areas.
A good starting point is one trap per affected room. Large rooms or widespread activity may require additional traps. If using multiple traps in one room, space them at least 3 metres apart to ensure effective coverage of different areas.
Yes—repellents (like lavender or cedar) can help discourage moths from settling in storage areas. Avoid placing strong-smelling repellents near the trap. Keep at least a 3-metre distance, as strong scents can interfere with how effectively moths follow the pheromone trail.
Try moving the trap closer to dark, quiet areas (wardrobe corners, under furniture) and away from strong airflow or bright windows. Also check you’re using the correct trap type (clothes moth vs pantry moth). If activity continues, add another trap in a different spot in the same room.
Typically up to 3 months. Replace earlier if the trap becomes very dusty or full.
Replace traps every 3 months, or sooner if the sticky surface is covered with moths/dust and can’t catch more.
We recommend year-round use for monitoring—especially in heated homes where moths can remain active beyond summer. Traps are a simple way to spot activity early before damage spreads.
To fully eliminate a moth infestation, it’s best to use a combined approach. Traps work most effectively when supported by good housekeeping and targeted treatment.
For areas where larvae or emerging moths may already be present, we recommend using the MothOut Moth Killer Spray as part of your treatment plan. The spray is designed for use on carpets, rugs, skirting boards, wardrobe interiors, and other problem areas where moths hide and breed. Always follow the label instructions carefully.
Combining traps, thorough cleaning, and targeted treatment provides the most effective long-term protection against moth infestations.