MOTHS
PEST CONTROL
Clothing Moths:
These are small moths with wing spans of less than a half an inch. Their habits are different from most moths because they are rarely seen flying around lights at night. They prefer dark closets, attics, or other areas, and they tend to live in dark corners or in folds of fabric.
Each female clothes moth lays an average of 40 to 50 eggs, eggs normally hatch in four to ten days. The normal life cycle is 65 to 90 days.
Materials that are readily infested include sweaters, coats, upholstery, piano felts, blankets and any other woolen products. Furs, hair, leather and hides, feathers, horns, insect and animal collections and such stored foods as meat, fish, meal and dried milk products are also vulnerable to these guys.
Synthetic fibers and cellulose materials are damaged only incidentally often because they soiled with greasy food stains, body oils or other residues that are often the reason for the insect assault.
PREVENTION TIPS
Inspect used clothes, rugs, and furniture containing animal fibers (wool, fur, hides, hair, and feathers) before bringing them into the home.
Check under collars, along seams, and in crevices of used items for larvae and damage.
Larvae may hide in cases or tubes made from the fabrics they are eating, making them hard to see. Take your time to inspect items carefully.
Use a flashlight to help you inspect fabrics. The larvae are small and can be difficult to see. Look for white caterpillars with dark heads, up to 1/2 inch long.
Wash clothes in hot water or have them dry-cleaned before putting them in long-term storage. Store items in airtight bags and containers. Keep storage areas clean of dust, cobwebs, and pet hair. Use pheromone traps for adults in storage areas. Check regularly for signs of moth activity. Finding adults is a sign that there are larvae causing damage somewhere.
CONTROL TIPS
Clothes moths may be confused with pantry moths or carpet beetles. When moths are found, remove all items from the area.
Clean using a strong-suctioned vacuum in cracks and crevices to remove any debris. Wash down walls, shelves, and other surfaces with soapy water.
Launder items in hot water for 20–30 minutes to kill eggs, larvae, and adult clothes moths. Dry clean items that cannot be laundered.
Non-washable items can be placed in a Ziploc bag and frozen for 2 weeks to kill the insects. Allow items to return to room temperature before removing from the plastic bag.
Larger items can be hung outside, beaten, and brushed to remove eggs and larvae. Adult females glue eggs directly on fabrics.
If the problem feels to big for you don’t hesitate to reach out to us, we can help you with this pest problem!