Carpet beetles and clothes moths have not been eliminated.

In the past years, textile-eating insects were common due to the large amount of wool fibers in clothing and home furnishings.

The popularity and widespread use of synthetic fibers has led to the incorrect assumption that insect damage is a thing of the past.

Clothes moths and carpet beetles can digest protein fibers such as wool, silk and specialty hairs, but these insects will also attack synthetic fibers if they contain protein substances.

This means that carpet, rugs, draperies and upholstery made from nylon, acrylic, polyester, acetate and other synthetics can be damaged if they contain food or beverage stains, blood, urine, perspiration or other sources of nutritional protein.

Firebrats and silverfish are also textile pests that attack carbohydrates. They eat the paste on the wall paper and book bindings as well as starched clothing.

Termites digest cellulosic materials wood and carpet backings in addition to yarns made of jute, cotton and kraftcord.

The most effective way to prevent an infestation and inhibit growth is to keep textile furnishings clean.

Spills should be removed immediately. Carpet, rugs, draperies, upholstery etc., should be brushed or vacuumed or steam cleaned regularly as insects do not generally attack clean materials.

Regular dry/steam cleaning of these articles will also decrease the chances of infestation.

Similarly, regular carpet cleaning will remove the nutritional contaminants that attract and support insects.

If an infestation has occurred, you should consult a licensed pest control operator who is experienced in treating textile products for insect control.

There can be many things that contribute to carpet water stains.

Spills, snow and water tracked in, rain through an open window, pipes bursting, leaky radiators, floods and even over wetting by do-it-yourself carpet cleaners can wet out the backing yarns of carpeting.

Followed by slow drying, this wetting will allow dye-like materials to dissolve out of the backing yarns and “wick” to the face of the carpeting.

The brown discoloration which forms is usually referred to as a water stain.

After a water stain has developed, it may be impossible for even a professional rug cleaner to remove it.

Gradual and uniform soiling on the face yarns may cause the stain to go unnoticed until the carpeting is thoroughly cleaned.

Once the dirt is removed, the dye-like stains becomes quite apparent. However, water is essential to professional rug cleaning.

The professional cleaner knows the proper amount and the conditions under which water can be used on carpeting. For example, in a modern rug cleaning plant where controlled drying temperatures are possible, it is a safe and normal procedure to use hundreds of gallons of water on a single rug.

Professionals adjust the amount of cleaning solution, depending on the type of carpet, to avoid water stain problems.

Only surface yarns are wet out, which will result in maximum on-location cleaning and prevent water stains from occurring.