MOTHS
Something eating your clothes or carpets?
What types of moths do I need to be concerned about in my home?
There are many types of moth but the ones to look out in Reading, Newbury, Basingstoke and around Berkshire will be the clothes and carpet moth as these have the potential to cause damage to your property and belongings.
How would I identify a Clothes Moth?
Clothes moths are around ½ an inch in length with narrow wings and usually have a dull, mottled pattern along these wings. The adult clothes moth doesn’t eat the fabrics and soft furnishings, however finding adult clothes moths within your property could indicate the presence of clothes moth larvae, these larvae will be feeding on fabrics within the property and as the name suggests will usually be noticeable on clothing that is not disturbed too frequently.
If clothes moths are found within your property in Reading, Shinfield, Newbury or Berkshire, we will look for possible areas in which their larvae may be, this is usually hidden away in a darkened area, within wardrobes and chest of drawers or within airing cupboards as they will remain as close to a food source as they can. Although these are the most common areas we encounter them they can survive throughout the home which is why we survey all properties fully before starting any clothes moth treatment.
The clothes moth larvae are whitish in colour and about ½ an inch-long in size. It is easy to identify their feeding sites as holes will appear in certain items of clothing and they will leave behind faecal pellets over the surface of the material as they feed. The clothes moth larvae will feed on feathers, fur, wool, leather, dust, lint, paper, hair and even in some cases silk, cotton and some synthetic fibres. They will be drawn towards natural fibres as well as clothing containing oil from hair and even sweat, they will also be drawn to any item of clothing that may be left undisturbed for any amount of time as well as woollen blankets and even stuffed animals and toys.
How would I identify a Carpet Moth?
Carpet moth are very similar to the clothes moth although they are a little smaller, they will mainly be seen flying around the months of April to October. Similar to the clothes moth, carpet moth adults do not feed on the fabrics this and it is the larvae that will cause the damage to your home. Carpet moth larvae with feed on wool-based carpets but can also feed on clothing, taxidermized animal skins, furs as well as many upholsteries made of natural fibres.
Carpet moth larvae will usually feed on items within your home over the colder months while waiting for the warmer weather before beginning to pupate and begin the adult moth cycle. Carpet moth larvae will normally be found in darker areas around the house such as under furniture or in airing cupboards, usually always away from any area with heavy footfall.
Both carpet moth and clothes moth have similar life cycles, the adult lifespan of both moth isn’t long at around only 2-3 months so they tend to mate and lay eggs in a very short space of time. The female moth will lay hundreds of eggs within her short life cycle, the eggs will be laid in darker areas in the property where the larvae will hatch close to a food source. The clothes or carpet moth larvae themselves can live up to 2 years, constantly feeding and causing damage to your property and possessions if left untreated.
What type of treatment is required and are there any pre-treatment requirements?
Residual sprays are used to tackle moth infestations, all areas will need to be treated so there are some pre-treatment and aftercare essentials that will need to be carried out to help ensure the treatment is a success, these are listed below:
Before treatment essentials:
Any clothing storage, wardrobes/chest of drawers will need to be emptied and clothing items washed on a high heat or dry cleaned. (clothes moths)
Furniture moved away from the walls and all areas thoroughly vacuumed and vacuum immediately emptied or cleaned if bag-less. (carpet moth)
After treatment it is important you observe the following:
To remain out of the property for 4 hours after treatment
To not vacuum or mop a treated surface for 14 days
After the 14 day period, vacuum all areas and empty the bag or clean the vacuum immediately after
If you have a problem with moths don’t hesitate to contact us here at Abbey Pest Control Reading.
Covering: Reading, Tilehurst, Purley on Thames, Caversham, Wokingham, Shinfield, Arborfield, Three Mile Cross, Woodley, Earley, Newbury, Chieveley, Thatcham, Basingstoke, Hook, Camberley and surrounding areas. Our price includes a full survey, written report, all labour and materials. All of our operatives are fully trained, experienced members of the NPTA and we have comprehensive public liability insurance.
Call now: 07525 850347
Email: abbeypestreading@gmail.com
Areas covered: Reading, Tilehurst, Purley on Thames, Caversham, Wokingham, Shinfield, Arborfield, Three Mile Cross, Woodley, Earley, Newbury, Chieveley, Thatcham, Basingstoke, Hook, Camberley and surrounding areas.