How to get rid of moths?

Moths, though generally harmless, can quickly become a significant nuisance in your home. With their insatiable appetites for fabrics and food, these winged creatures can cause considerable damage to your belongings. That is why acting fast as soon as you notice any activity or signs of moth infestation is crucial. You can effectively eliminate moths and prevent future outbreaks with this guide by our skilled moth exterminators.

The first step in tackling a moth problem is identifying the species you’re dealing with. Different moths have different preferences and, therefore, require tailored treatment methods.

Read also: What are the different types of moths?

Some moths, such as the common miller moth, are simply attracted to light and pose no threat to your belongings. They may flutter around your home but will typically not cause any damage.

There are more than 2000 species of moths in the UK. However, there are three types of moths that infest our homes:

• Carpet Moths: These insidious creatures target carpets, rugs, upholstery, and any materials containing animal fibres like wool, fur, felt, and feathers.
• Pantry Moths: As the name suggests, these moths infest pantries, cupboards, and any areas where you store dry goods. Their larvae have a voracious appetite for flour, cereals, grains, spices, nuts, seeds, and even pet food.
• Clothes Moths: These moths target fine fabrics and items from natural fibres like wool, cashmere, silk, fur, and angora, leaving unsightly holes in your cherished garments.

Check also: Where do moths come from in the house?

Before we get into species-specific solutions, here are some general strategies that apply to all types of moth infestations:

• Thorough cleaning: Regular vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning are essential. Pay close attention to hidden areas like under furniture, behind shelves, and corners.
• Discarding infested items: If an item is heavily infested, it’s often best to toss it to prevent the spread of the infestation.
• Freezing: Freezing infested items for at least 72 hours can effectively kill moth eggs and larvae.
• Moth traps: Employing appropriate moth traps can significantly reduce the moth population. These traps utilise pheromones to attract and capture male moths, disrupting their breeding cycle. Remember to choose the correct type of trap for the specific moth species you’re dealing with. If unsure, consulting with a professional pest control specialist is always advisable.

Please note that the effectiveness of any treatment method may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your infestation. Always consult a qualified moth control specialist for serious or persistent infestations.

Read also: What Signs Indicate a Moth Infestation in Your Home?

Although carpet moths are not as common pests as they used to be, they haven’t completely disappeared from London homes and businesses. Carpet moth infestations can be a nightmare, so it’s essential to recognise the signs and act quickly.

• Live adult moths: The presence of live adult moths with their characteristic two-coloured wings is a clear indication of an infestation.
• Threadbare patches: Irregular holes or thinning areas on carpets or fabrics can be a sign of larval feeding activity.
• Bald patches on taxidermy: If your taxidermy displays are losing fur or feathers, carpet moths may be the culprit.
• Dead adult moths: Finding dead moths on carpets or clothing is a strong indicator of an infestation.
• Empty exoskeletons: Dried larvae casings suggest that adult moths have already emerged.
• Visible larvae: Tiny, worm-like larvae may be visible crawling on carpets, clothing, or other infested materials.

• Thorough inspection: Carefully inspect carpets, rugs, upholstery, and any other potential hiding spots for signs of infestation.
• Intensive cleaning: Vacuum thoroughly, paying close attention to areas under furniture, baseboards, and crevices.
• Professional assistance: Consider contacting a professional pest control service for severe infestations. They have the expertise and tools to eradicate the problem and prevent future outbreaks effectively.

• Regular cleaning: Maintain a regular cleaning schedule, including vacuuming and dusting, to prevent the buildup of dust and debris that can attract moths.
• Proper storage: Store woollens, furs, and other susceptible items in airtight containers or bags.
• Thorough washing: Wash clothing from natural fibres in hot water and dry them on high heat.
• Freezing: Freeze clothing items for at least 72 hours to kill any remaining eggs or larvae.
• Steam cleaning: Consider professional steam cleaning for carpets and upholstery to eliminate any remaining moths or eggs.

Check also: What Do Carpet Moths Look Like?

Pantry moths are a common and frustrating kitchen pest. Their larvae can infest a wide range of dry goods, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

• Visible larvae: The most common sign is the presence of small, brownish or tan worms crawling around in your food.
• Sticky webs: You may find sticky webs in the corners of food boxes or containers.
• Adult moths: Adult Pantry Moths are small, light brown moths with dark-coloured heads. They are weak fliers and tend to avoid light.

• Discard infested food: Throw away any items visibly infested with larvae or show signs of webbing.
• Thorough cleaning: Clean all surfaces in your pantry, cupboards, and drawers with a suitable cleaning solution. Pay close attention to corners and crevices.
• Wash food containers: Wash all containers in hot, soapy water or dishwasher.
• Airtight storage: Keep all dry goods in glass or heavy-duty plastic airtight containers.
• Moth traps: Use non-toxic moth traps designed for pantry moths to capture adult males and disrupt the breeding cycle.

• Inspect groceries: Carefully inspect all groceries, especially those in paper or cardboard packaging, for signs of damage or infestation.
• Proper storage: Store all dry goods in airtight containers.
• Discard expired food: Promptly discard any expired food items.
• Regular cleaning: Maintain a clean pantry and inspect stored food for signs of infestation.
• Use natural repellents: Bay leaves, mint, cloves, thyme, and peppercorns are excellent pantry moth repellents. Fill a handful of these spices in fabric sachets and put them in areas susceptible to pantry moth infestation.

Clothes moths are a significant threat to your wardrobe, especially if you have a collection of fine clothing made from natural fibres.

• Holes in clothing: Small holes in your woollen, cashmere, silk, or fur garments are a strong indicator of clothes moth activity.
• Larvae and casings: You may find dead larvae and their casings in drawers, wardrobes, or other storage areas.
• Adult moths: Small, silver, grey, or tan moths with tattered wings may be present.

• Isolate infested items: Remove all infested clothing and other fabric items and place them in sealed plastic bags to prevent the spread of the infestation.
• Employ extreme temperatures:
  • Freeze the infested items for at least 72 hours to kill all stages of the moth life cycle.
  • Wash washable items in hot water and dry them on high heat.
• Thorough cleaning: Clean all affected areas thoroughly, including wardrobes, drawers, and surfaces where infested items were stored.
• Moth traps: Use clothes moth traps to capture adult male moths and disrupt the breeding cycle.

• Clean before storing: Clean all clothing items before storing them away for extended periods.
• Airtight storage: Keep clothing and other susceptible items in airtight containers, plastic bags, or cedar chests.
• Regular inspection: Check stored clothing and other items for signs of infestation.
• Use natural repellents: Some natural scents are excellent clothes moth repellents. You can use cedar, lavender, citrusses, as well as some herbs and spices to deter moths.

Read also: What Smell Keeps Clothes Moths Away?

While many moth infestations can be managed with diligent DIY efforts, there are times when professional moth exterminators are needed:

• Severe infestations: A professional pest control service can provide effective and efficient treatment options if you’re dealing with a large-scale infestation that seems overwhelming.
• Difficult-to-reach areas: A professional can access and treat these areas safely and effectively if the infestation is located in hard-to-reach areas, such as attics or crawl spaces.
• Identifying the species: If you’re unsure of the type of moth you’re dealing with, a professional can accurately determine the species, allowing for targeted treatment.

Check also: Moths in Unexpected Places: Your Carpet-Free Home Isn’t Safe!

By understanding moth behaviour, implementing effective cleaning and prevention measures, and seeking professional assistance, you can effectively conquer moth infestations and protect your home and belongings from these unwelcome guests.