#mothpestcontrol

Problems With Moths In Your Home?

Struggling with a moth infestation? Are you wondering how to get rid of moths in your wardrobe, beds, carpets or kitchen?

First things first - Are moths dangerous for humans?

Generally moths are not dangerous but it is possible for contact with an adult moth to cause a skin condition called lepidopterism, or caterpillar dermatitis. Symptoms can include a rash or irritated skin and, in the worst cases, eye irritation, a sore throat and breathing difficulties. Treatment can be obtained from the GP and normally includes antihistamine and corticosteroid cream.

How Do Moths Enter The Home?

Most flying insects tend to be drawn towards light, this is true for Moths. Moths can enter your home through open windows or doors. When clothes moths enter the home they make their way towards dark, undisturbed areas; such as wardrobes, cupboards and boxes. They also like to stay near food sources. Moths have an excellent sense of smell, and communicate through smell, signalling other moths to their location.

When Is It An Infestation?

Observation is your best defence. You’ll eventually see a Moth flying around or small Moths, indicating that they may be developing through their lifecycle in your home. Signs of damage on your clothes will alert you to where the eggs have been laid. You should look out for webbing and cocoons in the corners of your wardrobe and cupboards. Adult moths do not have mouths so holes you may find in clothes, carpets or soft furnishings are actually made from moth larvae.

Holes in clothes

Webbing in cupboard corners

Cocoons in cupboard corners

Musty smell on clothes

Larvae on clothes

Sightings of Moths at various life stages

What Can I Do To Prevent Moths?

1. Wash worn or dirty clothes before you put them away. Although this may be obvious some items of clothing like a leather jacket may not be easy to wash so repeatedly gets put away after being worn, or stored during the winter months. Moths are mostly drawn to the human sweat, hair and body oil that are left on clothing, particularly those made out of natural fibres such as wool, feathers, fur, silk or leather.

2. Store clothes in an airtight bag or plastic container. Some people are excellent at doing this, storing clothes seasonally. Don’t use cardboard boxes as moths can chew through these. Declutter your wardrobe!

3. Keep your wardrobe ventilated. A lot of wardrobes lack airflow, they depend on the opening and closing of doors to ventilate the space. Moths are attracted to warm, humid spaces so make sure you open your wardrobe door regularly to increase airflow.

4. Cedar balls are a natural repellent for moths, and can be bought easily. Put cedar balls in the pockets of the garments if they are resting in the wardrobe for prolonged periods.

Help - Moths In My Wardrobe!

5. Wash your clothes on a slightly higher temperature if you suspect moths have been in contact with them. This will help to kill larvae that may have attached. Consult the clothings label.

6. Freeze Your Clothes! Moth eggs and larvae can not survive freezing temperatures either. If one item of clothing is particularly affected, put it in an airtight bag and then in the freezer for 24 hours.

7. Clean all cupboards and wardrobes with an antibacterial spray or homemade solution of vinegar and water solution. Vinegar is a natural cleansing agent and the acid is not tolerable for moths (Smelly!)

8. Vacuum regularly. Vacuum carpets, under beds, mattresses and in the nooks and crannies of wardrobes - especially when items are not being disturbed or moved for long periods of time.

9. Make a pleasant smelling natural repellent. Place dried rosemary, thyme, cloves, lavender or bay leaves into a small cloth bag and hang them in your wardrobe and place them in your drawers. The oil form of these herbs, sprayed on contaminated areas and clothes, can also repel moths.

10. Buy a hanging moth repellent for your wardrobe - Available in most DIY stores.

11. Research a pest control expert in your area - Contact Exterminate!

Moths Can Also Be Found In Your Kitchen!

12. Dispose of all contaminated foods or suspected contaminated foods and thoroughly clean the cupboard. If you notice a musty smell, webbing in the corner or a sticky secretion in your food cupboards, and/or have seen the moths or caterpillars themselves, then you need to thoroughly disinfect the area.

13. Be particularly careful of grains, nuts and rice. Moths both feed on, and lay their eggs, in these foods. Any open containers of these products should be disposed of.

14. Keep your kitchen well ventilated.

15. Buy a natural repellent or make one from herbs! Several fragrant herbs repel moths, including rosemary, thyme, cloves, lavender and bay leaves. Place the herbs in a small bag in cupboards or spray the essential oil into high-risk areas.