Controlling clothes moths

For an effective control of clothes moths, certain measures are necessary before applying treatments, such as: washing and cleaning clothes, brushing and vacuuming textiles, upholstery, a rigorous cleaning of the infested areas (attics, basements, storage spaces) and the disposal of severely infested materials.

Adhesive traps for clothes moths

Adhesive traps are coated with a pheromone attractant, which mimics the sex pheromones of the females, to attract and capture the males. This interrupts the natural reproductive cycle of clothes moths, and the population is gradually reduced and then completely eliminated.

The traps are placed inside cabinets, on shelves, near various textiles. In large areas, it is recommended to place the traps in a network pattern, to more easily identify the infested materials and the areas where the pest population is larger. They are most recommended in spaces where rare, valuable pieces are kept, such as museums, exhibitions, antique fairs. Because old objects can degrade after the application of chemical treatments, in these cases, it is preferable to prevent infestations by placing pheromone traps.

Aerosol insecticides

Immediately after applying spray insecticides, an aerosol-type insecticide can be used. The released particles will irritate adult moths and force them to come out of their hiding places. Thus they will come into contact with the initially applied solution. Before using the insecticide, it is recommended to close any doors and windows. The furniture must be arranged so that the substances can infiltrate all the cracks. Depending on the product used, it must be left to act for a few hours, during which time the space must remain closed, according to the specifications on the label.

Treatments with ready-to-use insecticides

Ready-to-use insecticides are applied to dry surfaces. Since they act by contact or ingestion, it is necessary for pests to come into direct contact with the treated space. It is advisable to carefully read and follow the recommendations on the label of the product used.

Powder insecticides against clothes moths

In hard-to-reach spaces inside or under the furniture, the use of powder insecticides is recommended. These are applied especially in cracks and crevices where moth eggs may be hidden.

Special devices can be used for an easier application of powder products.

Insecticide concentrates for clothes moths, with coarse application/residual effect

Insecticide treatments can be applied by spraying against clothes moths, especially in large storage areas. Treatments can be applied with manual or motorized sprayers, depending on the size of the space. Insecticides used to control clothes moths usually contain pyrethrins or permethrin, which provide a rapid knock-down effect.

The treatments are applied inside wardrobes, in areas where textiles are stored, along baseboards, carpet edges. They can also be sprayed under furniture and other areas where moths are present. Depending on the product specifications, the solution can also be sprayed on fabrics. Treatments can be applied with manual or motorized sprayers, depending on the size of the space in which the pest control measures are applied. The solution should be evenly distributed in all areas likely to be infested.

UV light traps for clothes moths

The principle of these traps is to attract moths with UV light and to capture them. Against clothes moths, it is recommended to use traps with an adhesive plate. The UV light will attract the pests and they will remain trapped in the adhesive.

Because they have a pleasant design, they can be used in homes, hotels/motels, clothes shops, warehouses, etc.

Protective equipment

To avoid inhalation of vapors created during spraying or direct contact with applied substances, it is recommended to wear appropriate equipment. Protective equipment has the role of keeping the person performing the insecticidal treatments safely.

Recommended protective equipment:

Protective equipment has the role of protecting the person performing the treatments from dangerous substances. This category includes protective gloves, coveralls, masks, etc. The equipment is chosen depending on the type of treatment, as well as the substances used or the targeted pest.

Information about clothes moths

Clothes moths (Tineola bisselliella) are a species of insect of the order Lepidoptera, first reported in the nineteenth century. Although specific to the northern hemisphere (Europe, Asia), the species has also spread to Australia. In some regions, two more species of clothes moths have been identified: Tinea pellionella and Hofmannophila pseudospretella (less common).

They have a biological cycle consisting of 4 stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larvae (caterpillars) of this species are considered harmful in several regions, for the degradation of textile fibers (especially those of wool and silk). Adult females lay their eggs near textiles; they are especially attracted by the smell of skin secretions or other organic substances, which can provide the larvae with both food and fluids. After hatching, the larvae begin to feed on the keratin proteins found in the textile fibers, degrading the materials.

Signs of a clothes moths infestation

Unlike other types of moths, clothes moths are rarely seen because they are light-avoiding insects. The main sign of the presence of these pests is the signs of degradation of textiles. They prefer materials made from animal fiber, such as wool, fur, silk, feathers, leather. They can damage both clothes and upholstery, beds, carpets, toys, decorative items, etc.

In general, they operate in dark, rarely accessed spaces: cabinets, crates or storage boxes, attics, basements.

It is important to note that the damage caused by the larvae of clothes moths is similar to that caused by another species of insect, Anthrenus verbasci (carpet beetle). In this case, the detection and confirmation of the presence of moths can be done with the help of adhesive traps.

Also, clothes moths should not be confused with food moths, which infest stored food and are usually found in kitchens or pantries.

Preventing a re-infestation with clothes moths

In order to prevent a possible re-infestation, it is first of all essential to correctly follow the complete pest control treatment schedule. Beforehand, cupboards, drawers and other storage spaces should be vacuumed and cleaned regularly. Monitoring traps can be used to detect a possible re-infestation. Additionally, you may consider using natural repellents such as lavender essential oil, rosemary or cloves.

Clothes moths are insects that appear in areas protected from light and are more difficult to detect. Infestations can sometimes be detected only when material damage is found. Therefore, their control involves, first of all, taking rigorous hygiene measures (brushing, vacuuming, and cleaning of materials), followed by the application of recommended treatments, depending on the infested space. If the degree of infestation is high, or the infestation area is sensitive (museums, exhibitions, fairs, etc.), it is advisable to hire specialized personnel to perform appropriate treatments in safe conditions.