contributed collaborative post // Moths are known for their attraction to light. They could be roaming your house late at night because your light was on and a window was open. The light doesn’t have to be in your house, either. If your porch light or street lights are close to your windows, their initial attraction could lead them into your home.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
But light isn’t the only reason moths come to visit. Every species is different, and their attractions could be more specific.
Regardless of which moth type you have, use a carpet moth trap to capture and safely remove them. These traps will be ideal for your problem, as they can be placed anywhere in the home without taking up space.
So, what type of moth are you dealing with?
Webbing Moths
The most common type of moth infestation comes from webbing booths. They are yellow with red hairs along their heads. They get their name from the larvae. These babies will create webs around whatever they are feeding on – normally clothes. It makes it easier for them to travel and stay protected.
These moths aren’t drawn to light, but to darkness and shaded areas. You’ll often find them in wardrobes or rugs. They are particularly interested in moisture-thick clothing. They need that moisture for their larvae.
To stop attracting these insects, take off your wet clothes immediately. Clean and dry them as soon as possible, without leaving space for them to air. With no wet clothes to cling to, your moths will stop reproducing.
Casemaking Moths
Casemaking moths also go by the name “Case Bearing”. Both these names describe the cocoon they create when turning from a larva into a moth. Larva is the cause of destruction, not the moths. They will eat your clothing as they develop and grow.
You can identify them through a yellow-gray body, while the case will be the same colors as the clothes they eat.
Both casemaking and webbing moths are a type of cloth moth. Casemaking moths are attracted to dirty clothes. Clothes with stains and urine marks. Like before, you should clean your clothes as soon as they are dirty, and dry them just as instantly.
To ensure they don’t return, use a carpet moth trap. They lure in the males, preventing further breeding.
Pantry Moths
Pantry moths are attracted to lights. They are the second most common moth infestations.
These moths have an amazing sense of smell and can find their way into your cabinets in search of their favorite snacks. They are attracted to carbohydrates. Their favorites are bread, pasta, flour, and cereal. However, these moths will also devour nuts and processed meals.
Moths are notorious for eating through non-edible materials, so your wooden cabinet doors won’t be a great determinant. Once they find your treasure trove of food, a breeding pair may create their family. The more eggs they lay, the more food they will devour.
To deter unwanted guests, use synthetic fibers as protection. Nylon, spandex, and polyester.
For food containers consider glass. They can eat through plastic containers and Ziploc bags, so don’t invest in these alternatives. Eating glass is just as painful to them as it is to us. Transfer all of your dry goods into a glass container, making sure to sieve through the goods first.
If you spot a moth in your goods, discard it. The moths could have been defecating or laying eggs in the food.
Clear out your pantry entirely, and use a spray killer to destroy the environment they have created. Then leave out the carpet traps we mentioned before. If any survive the spray, the trap will capture them.
Carpet Moths
Carpet moths are attracted to all of the items we mentioned already – natural clothing like wool and silk, dirty materials such as moisture-ridden clothing and urine stains, and most importantly food.
These moths breed by finding carpet which contains as many of these ingredients as possible. If your dog has accidents in a particular area of your home, the moth infestation could be coming from there.
There are two ways to remove these moths – get a whole new carpet or use carpet moth treatment. Once your carpet is clean, keep it fresh and avoid moisture or food landing in the fibers.
Summary
Moths are attracted to the dirt in our homes. That dirt could be wet clothing, stained fabrics, or food clogged into our carpets. If they are in your pantry, use a glass container to prevent them from eating your dry goods. To get rid of these moths, use a moth-killing treatment and they lay down traps to remove the stragglers.
Gosh. Moths can be a problem. This is useful for keeping their numbers down at home.