UK Set For Increased Moth Population

The early onset of spring was a welcomed surprise for the sun worshippers out there but now it seems spring has sprung in to action so have some of the pests !
Recent reports have highlighted a whopping 103% increase in pest control call outs to eradicate moths!

Cloth destroying moths may look harmless but in fact there are 2400 species of moth recorded in the UK and although not a risk to human health they do pose a risk to both household and commercial furnishings, clothing and fabrics.

The Four Main Winged Offenders!

These are -

Brown House Moth ((Hofmannophila pseudospretella)

Common Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella)

Case-Bearing Clothes Moth (Tinea pellionella)

White-Shouldered House moths (Endrosis sarcitrella)

The Adult Common Clothes Moth is 6 to 7mm long with pale, plain golden-buff wings fringed with hair. The Rarer Case-Bearing Clothes Moth is duller and has three dark brown spots on each of its wings.

The increase in temperature accelerates a moths breeding cycle. It is not the fully fledged adult moth that is capable of causing severe damage it is in fact the larvae. Over a 21 day period a female moth can lay up to 50 eggs and will shortly afterwards die. Approximately a week later these larvae will hatch and it is then the destructive feeding habits begin to wreak havoc with fabrics etc.
Grubs will burrow into materials such as wool, cashmere, silk, cotton, linen, fur, feathers and carpets, moths feed of the protein within these natural materials.
Their feeding habits could leave bare patches on carpets and rough edged holes within fabric.

Treating A Moth Infestation

Washing woollen clothing in hot water can effectively destroy eggs and larvae but dry cleaning will treat garments that cannot withstand a hot wash.

Always clean clothing thoroughly before packing it away this is especially important if you buy second hand fabrics as these may transport an infestation into your home!
Store clothes and fabrics in air tight containers away from humidity.

Vacuum all the affected areas thoroughly to remove larvae and eggs but be sure to empty the vacuum cleaner bag or they’ll hatch there, too. If expensive items have already been affected then freezing them will kill any existing larvae and eggs.

Essential oils such as lavender, bay leaves and eucalyptus are considered mildly effective due to their strong aroma.
However persistent infestations may require the services of a professional pest controller.

Our trained and certified staff offers a variety of solutions to get rid of your moths safely and quickly.

Call us today on 0800 158 3885