Moth Infestation
What to Do about a Moth Infestation
The sight of a small, brown unidentified flying object weakly flitting about your kitchen area can only mean one thing: moth infestation. Getting rid of these pests will require some quick action.
Two types of moth infestation are common in households: pantry moths and clothes moths. Quite similar in appearance, each of the moths are tiny; measuring about ½ each long. There are a few ways to determine which type of moth has invaded your home, allowing you to effectively eradicate them. True to their names, each type will affect different areas of a home. The pantry moth is found near food storage sources, and the clothes moth will be flitting about clothes storage areas, upholstered furniture and carpets.
The pantry moth is a small, dark brown moth with bi-colored wings; its one true distinguishing feature from the clothes moth. Signs of this type of moth infestation will be found in areas where food is stored. Food items such as cornmeal, cereals, dried herbs, spices, flours, grains, breads and dry baking mixes are all susceptible to these pesky creatures. Contamination of the food items is not due to the moth, which does not eat at all during its one week life span. Rather, it is the larvae, or caterpillars of the pantry moth that cause the problem. Evidence of their presence is webbing inside the packaging and, of course, the caterpillars themselves. Moth infestation needs to be dealt with immediately at this stage to avoid further contamination. Closely inspect every item, removing everything from the area. Contaminated foods should be thrown directly into a plastic bag, and when filled, removed from the home immediately. Once the cupboards are bare, vacuum and scrub them thoroughly to erase all traces of the pest. Only then should safe items be returned to the shelves.
In contrast, the clothes moth is a plain, single colored pest. The targeted areas of this moth infestation can be broader than that of the pantry moth, so identification of the moth is important. The moth will feed upon natural fibers and organic fabrics anywhere in the home; clothes in closets, animal hide jackets in the hallway, wool rugs in the family room and leather or suede furniture. Again, it is not the adult moth, but their larvae causing destruction. Eggs are found in crevices, seams and cracks; sometimes even attached to fabrics. The larvae hatch and immediately begin to feed on the fabric closest at hand, concentrating on stained areas from food, sweat, urine and beverages. Eliminating them requires vigorous cleaning; vacuuming the areas affected and dry cleaning the clothes. Freezing can kill the larvae and eggs on items that cannot be dry cleaned.
Preventing moth infestation is easier than elimination. Examine food items on a regular basis, and do not store dirty or stained fabrics. Use camphor mothballs to ward off pests. Taking these steps will help to keep moth infestation from your home.