How Moths Can Destroy a Piano and How You Can Prevent It

In this article, we’ll explain why moth can spell the end of a piano’s useful life, why moth-infested instruments generally cannot be sold or even donated, and what practical steps you can take if you discover moth activity in your piano.

Pianos contain many organic materials that moths (particularly the larvae) feed on:

• Felt: Most notably, the hammers, dampers, and key bushings are covered or cushioned with wool felt. This is often the first material to be attacked.
• Cloth & leather: Moths also target action cloths and leather components inside the mechanism.
• Long-term damage: Once larvae begin eating through these parts, the piano’s action can become unreliable or even unplayable. Keys may stick, dampers won’t mute notes, and hammers may fail to strike cleanly.

Unlike cosmetic scratches or tuning issues, moth damage fundamentally compromises the mechanism. Repairs often require full action rebuilding—an expensive, specialist process that is rarely economical for older instruments.

While we always encourage extending the life of instruments where possible, moth presents a unique problem:

1. Risk of spreading infestation – Donating or passing on a moth-infested piano risks introducing moths into schools, churches, or community spaces where they could attack other textiles.

2. Health and safety concerns – Many charities, schools, and community groups cannot accept items with evidence of pests, as it poses a liability issue.

3. Cost of treatment – Even if an organisation were willing to accept the piano, they would face significant costs in professional fumigation and repair.

For these reasons, most donation channels will automatically decline any piano with moth damage.

1. Confirm the problem

• Look for small holes or channels in the felt of hammers and dampers.

• Check for fine dust or frass (droppings) underneath the action.

• Notice if keys or pedals are sticking due to weakened or eaten bushings.

2. Contain the infestation

• Keep the piano away from carpets, curtains, and clothing that moths could spread to.

• Vacuum thoroughly around the instrument.

• Consider using moth traps nearby to monitor activity.

3. Treatment options

• Professional fumigation: Pest-control specialists can treat the piano, though this can be costly and isn’t always effective if the action is heavily damaged.

• Partial repairs: If damage is light, a technician may be able to replace affected felts or cloths.

• Full rebuild: In rare cases, a piano of high enough value may justify complete action replacement—but this is typically only pursued with top-tier instruments.

4. Responsible disposal if necessary

If treatment isn’t viable, the kindest course may be to responsibly recycle or dispose of the piano:

• Contact your local council for bulky waste or recycling options.

• Specialist piano removal services can dismantle and recycle wood, metal, and other components.

Moth can unfortunately be the death of a piano, silently destroying the felt and cloth that keep the action playable. Unlike cosmetic wear, moth damage is rarely worth repairing in older instruments, and it makes donation to schools or charities unsafe.

If you find moth in your piano, act quickly: confirm the problem, contain the infestation, and seek professional advice. While some instruments may be saved through repair or fumigation, others may need to be responsibly recycled.

Above all, remember: preventing the spread of moth is just as important as saving the instrument. By taking the right steps, you protect not only your piano, but other instruments, textiles, and homes too.