Moths

While moths do not pose a health risk, they are a pest in homes because of the severe damage their larvae cause to clothes, fabrics, furs, leather and carpets.

Protecting your home from moths

This damage may continue for many weeks after moth caterpillars have hatched – serious harm may have been done before numbers of flying moths are seen and so prevention of a moth problem is important.

While a minor infestation of moths can be dealt with using DIY products, an established moth problem is likely to require professional assistance.

Signs of a moth problem

The first sign of a moth problem will typically be damage to fabrics but there will usually be other indicators as well:

• the silken tubes or cases in which moth larvae live
• maggot-like larvae (moth caterpillars)
• pupae (silk cocoons) in which larvae turn into moths
• adult moths (often crawling rather than flying)

Please note, another common cause of damage to carpets or fur may be due to Carpet Beetles or Fur Beetles rather than moths.

Types of moths

There are four common species of moth infestation found in and around the home:

• Common Clothes Moth - Adults are 6-8mm with straw-colored wings and no markings. The h larvae make irregular holes in fabrics and are creamy white with a brown head and up to 10mm long.

• Case-bearing Clothes Moth - Adults are 6mm long with a dark-buff color and three faint spots. Case-bearing Clothes Moths make more regular holes in fabric than common clothes moth. Their larvae are creamy-white up to 10mm and found particularly with imported animal fabrics.

• Brown House Moth - Adults are 8-14mm and brown with three or four darker spots. The larvae feed on a wide range of animal textiles including wool, leather and feathers and are up to 20mm, off-white with brown head.

• White-Shouldered House Moth - The larvae up to 12mm, cream coloured with red-brown head and scavenge on wide range of food. Less damaging to textiles than clothes or Brown House Moths. The adults are 6-10mm with a white head and mottled wings.

How to keep moth problems away

High risk areas in the home include:

• Under beds
• Infrequently used cupboards or wardrobes
• Lofts - moths are attracted to bird nests that may be in the eaves of the house.
• Spare rooms

Once inside the home, moths lay eggs in dark and rarely disturbed areas where clothes or other textiles are stored. Follow the steps below to prevent moth damage in your home:

• Draw the curtains or use a fly screen - to prevent moths entering an open window or door, especially at night when moths will be attracted to lights.
• Always clean clothes before storing them - dirty or soiled clothing is particularly attractive to moths.
• Keep stored clothing and textiles in sealed plastic bags or suitcases.
• Vacuum regularly - ensure hidden areas such as under furniture are regularly vacuumed to remove moth eggs before they hatch. This is particularly important if there has been a previous infestation or if you have noticed increased levels of moth activity.

How to get rid of moths

There is a range of DIY products that kill moths, their larvae and their eggs available on the market.

Mothballs containing naphthalene were the traditional preventative treatment for moths. However, we do not endorse using these products because of the chemicals used and the residual odors they produce.

An established moth infestation will often require professional pest control treatment.

Professional service to get rid of moths

Rentokil Pest Control offers a call-out service to treat moths or any other pest problem in the home. The service is fast, effective and affordable.

Rentokil Technicians have a range of powerful insecticides to deal with moths and provide the reassurance that the problem has been fully dealt with.

Call Rentokil Pest Control Canada on 877-690-2115 for further moth advice or to arrange a visit by a Technician.