Homeowners often find themselves struggling with types of fabric pests. Despite their small size, fabric pests may create large infestations.
Among the most common types include carpet beetles and clothing moths.
Are you experiencing a moth invasion? A professional Lawrenceville pest control company has training and expertise in moth identification and understands how to get rid of moth larvae.
What Are Clothing Moths?
Clothing moths typically measure roughly ½ of an inch in length, appear white or beige, and have thin wings with tiny hairs. Clothing moths often are mistaken for grain moths, which invade areas where dried foods are stored, such as cupboards and pantries.
In North America, the two primary clothing moths include the webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the case-making clothes moth (Tinea pellionella). You can often distinguish adult webbing clothing moths by the small red hairs on their heads. Case-making clothes moths are quite similar; however, their wings have dark spots.
Clothing moths themselves do not consume fabric or other materials, but they create large groups of eggs. When the larvae hatch and emerge, they do eat various fabrics. The larvae appear as tiny white caterpillars for a period of many months before developing into a moth. The development time for larvae varies based on the availability of food, temperature, and other external conditions.
As larvae, webbing clothes moths often consume the internal areas of material and spread small fecal material. Unlike many moth species, clothing moths are not drawn toward the light and prefer darkness.
How long can a moth live? Adult clothing moths often live for 60 to 90 days but will vary according to the conditions.
The Damage Clothing Moths Can Do To Your Materials
Clothing moths will damage fabrics and similar materials and usually prefer materials such as fur, wool, silk, and leather. In many cases, clothing moths also damage upholstered furniture, particularly when the material contains protein-rich keratin.
Generally, clothing moths will not attack materials including cotton, rayon, or polyester. Because they prefer dark, undisturbed areas, clothing moth infestations might develop for many weeks without being detected.
Simple Tips To Prevent Clothing Moths In Your Home
Many individuals lack knowledge regarding clothing moths until after experiencing an infestation. Review the following effective preventative measures:
- Regularly launder or dry clean clothing, particularly those made of highly susceptible materials such as wool.
- Wash any clothing exposed to a moth infestation at the highest possible water temperature.
- Inspect clothing regularly, particularly around the cuffs, seams, and collars, for any signs of eggs. Consider using a brush to remove the presence of eggs.
- Store clothing items in durable, airtight containers or sealed vacuum bags that prevent direct access.
- Consider placing sweaters and other garments in plastic bags and putting them in the freezer, which kills any eggs or larvae.
Although cedar closets or storage chests may be effective, the seal is often insufficient and will not maintain a consistent concentration of cedar oil. Mothballs are a well-established preventative measure; however, they might pose safety concerns for those with small children or pets.
Contact The Pros To Get Rid Of A Clothing Moth Infestation
Are you facing a substantial moth problem? The team of local pest professionals with ProCare Pest Services will come out to the property, perform an inspection, and efficiently expel these pests. In addition to moths, our specialists can also successfully solve problems involving ants, cockroaches, termites, and many other undesirable creatures.
We attribute part of our success to a firm commitment to providing the highest-quality customer service and always backing the performance of our work with a satisfaction guarantee. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Remember to ask your representative about our various eco-friendly treatment options.