Clothes Moths in Historic Properties Decrease Significantly in 2023

In 2023, historic properties under the care of the National Trust saw a significant reduction in pest numbers, with an 18% drop in the number of clothes moths. These pests, which can damage priceless carpets, tapestries, and textiles, had previously seen a rise during the COVID-19 lockdowns, which resulted in an unusually quiet environment for many historic homes.

The conservation charity attributes the decline to improved pest management strategies and a general decrease from the lockdown-induced spike. Alongside clothes moths, the number of various pests has also dropped by 11% compared to 2022. However, the silverfish, which feeds on books, paper, and cotton collections, remains a persistent problem, with numbers up by 6%.

Alexandra Radford, assistant national conservator at the National Trust, explained that the significant efforts from house staff to control moth populations, including additional training and resources, have played a key role in these positive outcomes. Despite the improvement, challenges remain as climate conditions continue to affect insect breeding cycles, making pest management even more crucial.

The report also highlights that unpredictable weather patterns in the UK, particularly warm temperatures and wet conditions, have altered insect breeding seasons, leading to extended reproductive periods for pests. The National Trust is now focused on furthering its efforts to control pest numbers while ensuring the longevity of its vast collections.