In the past year, the number of call-outs to pest controllers has more than doubled in the UK. Recent reports have shown that the incidents of clothes moth infestation has risen by a third in twelve months. Indeed, scientists say that moths are munching their way through clothes and carpets in record numbers. Mild winters and an early start to spring are being blamed for the increases in pest activity. Moths are devouring clothes at a record rate.

Moths devouring clothes. What impact does the moth have on your house?

Your home will come under various types of attack during the life cycle of the moth. Holes will be made in your favourite clothes starting with the larvae that hatch from the eggs. The larvae spin silk webbing which causes holes in clothes or loss of pile in patches in your flooring.  Bear in mind that moths can go through up to 3 life cycles in one year in warm conditions. This results in moths devouring clothes at record rates.

What causes the infestation?

Indeed, like a moth to a flame, moths can be attracted into a house by bright lights. Furthermore, they will gain access through open windows during the summer months. However, the most significant method of attack is via the kitchen. Food stored in kitchens attract moth species who then lay their eggs in stored grains and nuts and other processed products. Moths often enter houses inside infested food packaging and once inside your home the eggs hatch into larvae. Once fortified on grain, dried nuts, cereals and other processed products the moths will spread throughout your house devouring clothes and fabrics at record rates. 

What can I do to stop moths devouring my clothes?

• Knowing what attracts moths is the best way to help locate the source of infestations. You can obviously spot adults flying around the house. In addition, you can look for larvae inside stored food or hiding in cracks and crevices located within the kitchen.
• When larvae are found in the kitchen, inspect and remove any affected food products to prevent the pests’ spread. When you notice holes in clothing, you should check wardrobes and chests of drawers for clothes moth activity.
• Vacuum to remove moth adults and larvae, dry cleaning or washing and drying infested clothes. In addition, avoid overcrowding wardrobes. Inspect clothes regularly for damage.
• For pantry pest prevention, use a vacuum to keep things clean. Store products in sealed containers. Moreover, practice “first in-first out” procedures to help ensure that old, out of date products are not allowed to accumulate.
• Active moth infestations are tough to handle alone, so it’s important to call in an expert in pest control.
• Steam cleaning carpets can be effective in controlling larvae. Although you will need professional help to tackle larvae in hard to reach areas beneath skirting boards and underlay. 
• Steam cleaning clothing using a handheld steamer can have two positive effects. Firstly, removing moth larvae and, secondly, doing away with those pesky creases in your favourite lounge suit.

It’s time to call the mothman, expert pest control from Pestcontrol.me.uk.  

The moth control experts from Pestcontrol.me.uk follow a trusted and safe procedure:

• We complete a full risk assessment before any treatment is applied. 
• Full personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn by our technicians on all moth treatments. 
• The treatment is normally dealt with within 1 to 2 visits. However, this depends on the level of pest activity. At pestcontrol.me.uk, we have a 100% success rate.
• A fog machine is used to apply the treatment. This method ensures that the treatment reaches areas that a regular pump spray would not reach. In addition, this method will also kill any flying adult moths. 
• We advise the customer and their pets to vacate the property for two hours after the treatment has been applied. The insecticide needs to dry before they re-enter the property. 
• After the treatment do not vacuum for up to two weeks after the treatment. Vacuuming will remove any residual insecticide.
• All aquatic life needs to be removed before any treatment is carried out.
• Sometimes the chemical can leave a white powder residue but this is easily wiped away.
• Once the treatment is dry, it is very safe, our technicians regularly treat children’s rooms and nurseries.

How can I stop the moths returning to my house? 

In addition, there are several additional techniques that you can implement to prevent moths devouring clothes at record rates: 

• Check for moths in the creases and folds of clothing. Focus on the areas behind the lapels and labels of your jackets and trousers.  
• Make sure that clothes are clean before folding and storing them in vacuum bags or boxes with sealed lids. 
• It is important to vacuum around the bottom edges of wardrobes and any shelves on which you keep your clothing. 
• Check underneath seats of chairs and couches, check around piping and deep buttons of chair cushions and other furniture. 
• Make sure that you check lofts and attics for bird nests. Remove and destroy any nest material that you may find. 
• Finally after using your vacuum cleaner always empty the contents into a black plastic bag. The seal the bag and dispose of it as quickly as you can in an outside bin.

In conclusion, moths can have a costly impact on your home. So, with our expert help the impact of the moth infestation can be negated. Furthermore, the chances of future problems will be greatly reduced.