While we don’t often think of moths as pests, they’re more than just another insect fluttering around your porch light. Moths don’t bite, sting or carry diseases, but they can damage your food and belongings. Because they hang out in dark, undisturbed areas of the home and are mostly active at night, they can go unnoticed for a while. If you’ve spotted moths around your home, here’s what you need to know:
Several Species of Moths
There are countless species of moths, but homeowners generally face two common culprits: pantry moths and clothes moths. Pantry moths, also known as Indianmeal moths, are small, grayish-brown insects with a distinct two-toned wing pattern. They’re drawn to dry goods found in people’s pantries, like flour, cereal, nuts and even pet food. Clothes moths are small, golden-beige moths that take up shelter in people’s closets and other storage areas. It’s not actually the adult moths that cause the damage, but their larvae, which feed on fabric and natural fibers. Knowing which moth species you’re dealing with is the first step.
Signs of a Moth Problem
Like many other pests, moths are extremely sneaky. By the time you notice them, they’ve probably already done a fair amount of damage. If you have pantry moths, you may notice silk webbing on food packaging, clumped dry goods, tiny worm-like larvae inside food items and pantry crevices, or adult moths fluttering around your food storage areas. For clothing moths, you may notice little holes, webbing, pepper-like droppings or small white larvae on your clothing items.
Tricky Pests to Eliminate
Moths are known for being particularly tricky pests to get rid of. This is because they’re incredibly persistent, they hide their eggs in the tiniest of crevices and they have quick reproductive cycles. Even after a thorough cleaning, it’s common for homeowners to think they’ve dealt with the problem, only for moths to reappear shortly after. Eliminating an infestation requires a full clean-out of the affected areas, targeted treatments, and ongoing prevention techniques and repellents.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you’ve spotted signs of pantry moths or clothes moths, there are a few things you can do to start controlling the infestation. Remember that DIY methods aren’t 100% effective, and it’s always best to reach out to a professional pest control company. Until the pros arrive, here’s what to do:
- Take everything out of the cabinets and throw away any opened dry goods.
- Remove all clothing and fabric items from your closet, throwing away damaged items and washing the rest.
- Thoroughly vacuum crevices and wipe down shelves.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Store clothing in sealable clothing bags or plastic bins.
- Use moth traps to lure males and control the population.
The Importance of Professional Pest Control
Without professional pest control treatment, moths are the type of pests that just keep coming back. A pest control team will not only eliminate the infestation, but they’ll also help you figure out what attracted them in the first place so you can avoid future infestations. If you’re facing a moth problem and need professional help, Pro-Staff has your back! Call our Des Moines pest control team today at (515) 279-7378 or contact us online for a free quote.
