Moths – Questions & Answers
What are Moths?
Moths are a close relative of the butterfly, with slight differences in the antennae and body size. Adult female moths will lay eggs that then hatch into caterpillars (larvae). The larvae go on to form a chrysalis and after a period of time, emerge as an adult moth.
Where are they found?
Moths can be found living both indoors and outdoors. They prefer to avoid light and live in dark, un-disturbed areas such as cracks, crevices and folds of fabric.
How will I know if I have an infestation?
The first signs of an infestation will be visibly finding moths crawling on clothes, or inside cupboards and wardrobes. Damage to fabrics and carpets, holes in clothes, small maggot like larvae (moth caterpillars), pupae (silk cocoons), and holes or chewed edges on boxes or bags.
How do they feed?
Pantry moths will be attracted to grains and other dried foods, while clothes moths will be attracted to furnishings, clothes and carpets.
How can I avoid getting Moths?
There are a number of measures that you can take to avoid getting a moth infestation:
* Regularly vacuum around the bottom of wardrobes and any shelves paying attention around the sides – use a vacuum nozzle to ‘deep clean’ around the edges. This helps to prevent build-up of dirt and debris which can provide a food source for insect pests to thrive on.
* Throw away, or preferably recycle, any wool, cotton, fur or feather items that you do not use or
want to keep.
* Moths will live in upholstery material especially if it contains wool or horsehair. Regularly check
underneath seats for signs of webbing or ‘cases’ and vacuum at least once a month even if
there are no signs are present. Also check around piping, in deep buttons and in the seat or
arm crevices.
* Keep items you don’t use that often neatly stored in boxes with sealed tight lids. Vacuum
bags which extract air by simply using a vacuum are particularly good as they are designed to
give protection against insect pests, damp and dust.
* Use products that are specially formulated to eliminate moths such as traps, sprays, powders or kits. Our range includes natural and chemical treatments that can be used to repel moths to avoid an infestation, or treat them if their presence has become a problem!
Is there a risk of disease?
Moths do not bite, spread disease, carry parasites or produce toxins. They are however, a nuisance pest that can do a lot of damage to clothes, carpets and food.
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