Domestic Moths
Clothes moths (Family & Tineidae Oecophoridae)
The most household clothes moths belong to the family Tineidae. The adult moths are generally small insects with a wingspan of 10-20 mm, more or less color brown in color, but often with a golden or silver sheen. The head is rather roughly haired, with the tube (or tube feeding) reduced or absent. As Thus, the adult insects do not feed, and their larvae (or worms) that damage to our tissues. Clothes moths are usually dark-loving insects and, although men and women sometimes went out to light, is more likely that the hatch cover to fly to the light when disturbed.
The larvae are whitish in color and feed mainly of dried plants and animal material. Clothes moth larvae are among the few insects able to digest the keratin of the hair and feathers. Natural dens of these insects are the nests of birds and small mammals, where it is only a small step to human households in which carpets, clothing, and waste in generally provide abundant food. Damage to articles may consist of irregular surface feeding (especially on carpets) or holes to eat completely through the material, usually in association with the "telltale signs" of silk ribbons produced by the caterpillars. The moths are more likely stained fabrics attacked by sweat and urine, or stained by food and beverage spills, cleaning tissues. Moreover, only natural fabrics are at risk, especially those containing wool or cotton – the larvae do not attack synthetic fibers (nylon, polyester, acrylic, etc.), so that clothing and furniture made of these materials are relatively safe from moth damage unless they are heavily soiled by sweat, urine, food stains, etc. delay tubes, because it left him calm and is often warm, is a particularly favorable for these moths, although the most modern man manufacturing plastic and fiberglass materials are safe from attacks.
Adult common clothes moth (bisselliella Tineola) – brown with gold or silver highlights, 5-8 mm long
Photo: Ben Smart ©
Larva of the case-bearing moth (Tinea Pellionella) with appropriate, up to 10 mm long
Photo: © Ian Kimber
Adults of the case-bearing moth (Tinea pellionella)
Photo: Charles Baker ©
Species most important from the standpoint of damage, is the common or webbing moth (bisselliella Tineola). Its larvae feed on the keratin containing all materials – hair, wool, silk, feathers, etc. – and also eat plant material such as cotton and grain products stored. The support case moth (pellionella Tinea) is less problematic in tissue damage, but can still be a serious pest. Its common name is derived from the larval habit of constructing a case tubular silk and fragments of surrounding materials. Caterpillars of the Tapestry Moth (tapetzella Trichophaga) also damage fabrics, but prefer more materials thicker than the previous two clothes moths. They are often found in pellets owl, which may be his natural food. Another moth which can be grouped with moths tineid clothing, although not a member of the same family but belonging to the family in relation Oecophoridae, is a moth of the House of Brown (Hofmannophila pseudospretella). Its larvae normally feed on plants and animal waste in birds' nests, but often find their way into houses and attack the tissues and a variety of stored foods.
Moth Damage in the UK has declined in recent years, probably due to the increased use of man-made fibers, more frequent cleaning dry, much drier climate created by central heating and the use of insecticides, but the risk of damage to clothing and textiles is still quite high. Families must be ever vigilant and regularly inspect the contents of closets, cupboards, drawers and other storage areas and undisturbed areas of the carpet behind and under furniture, early signs of these moths before its construction number and cause serious damage to stored clothing, bedding and household cloth.
Control of clothes moths
- The best way to avoid problems with moths clothing is through prevention. Fabrics, wool and other sensitive tissues should be washed or dry cleaned before being stored for long periods. Clean kills the eggs or larvae that may be present and also removes perspiration odors that are attractive to pests. Clean items may be sealed in plastic bags clothing to reduce exposure to moth infestations and the potential for future development.
- Moth infestations are less likely in clothing, carpets and soft furnishings from synthetic fibers on the facts of natural materials preferred by the moths, such as wool or cotton, but still remain important in maintaining clean synthetics.
- Standard household insecticides should not be used for the treatment of clothes. However, some professional dry cleaning may be able to treat tissues with a suitable liquid capable, mothproofing insurance as part of their service. Garments valuable such as skins, you can also protect clothes from moths refrigerated storage vaults – a service offered by some furriers and department stores.
- The existing pest control clothes moths requires patience and a thorough inspection to locate all potential sources of infestation, including spaces roof and attic where delay pipe, insulation of roofs or waste-nesting birds may attract and harbor moths. All infested items should be removed, washed or dry cleaned.
- Aspiration effectively eliminate larvae already present, such as hair, lint and other debris that could support future infestations. Be careful vacuum infested areas thoroughly, especially at the edges of carpets, along baseboards and in corners, under furniture, and inside cabinets, closets, cabinets and other enclosed, dark, undisturbed areas where larvae prefer to feed or adult moths can hide. Be sure to dispose of the contents of the vacuum bag after cleaning.
- Freeze-treatment can be used for small objects, such as toys and leather ornaments, placing them in a home freezer for about a week to kill eggs and larvae, followed by a thorough cleaning of the items.
- Insecticide treatment of infested areas is often useful as an adjunct to good maintenance, but only use products approved and recommended for the control clothes moth (see warning note below), and with a manufacturers warranty on the package that can be used safely on fabric materials without spots or damage. Aerosols can be applied to carpets, especially along the edge and under side of the socket, underneath furniture and other areas susceptible to infestation, where prolonged contact with humans or pets is unlikely – clothing and bedding should not be sprayed with insecticides.
- Note: The control measures described above for clothes moths are also applicable to the leather and carpet beetles, and other internal beetle pests that likewise attack rugs, furs and household linen.
WARNING. Traditional Moth Balls (even if available) should not be used. These contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both chemicals are potentially very toxic. Vaporize to produce fumes which may have toxic effects on humans and pets. Likewise, household products containing dichlorvos insecticide should not be used. All dichlorvos based on household insecticides have been withdrawn from sale in the UK as potentially dangerous. They are no longer approved for home use by the Advisory Committee of the United Kingdom on Pesticides (ACP) and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Before purchasing or using household insecticides check the active ingredients contained in the package product. Avoid all products containing naphthalene, paradichlorobenzene or Dichlorvos. Do not use any insecticides on clothing, bedding or other fabrics that are in close contact with humans or pets.
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Food, meal and wax moths (Family Pyralidae)
Adults are quite sensitive Pyralidae butterfly with a wingspan of 20-40 mm, usually more or less brownish in color, although the wings of some species are pattern contrasts sharply with the dark areas and pale, and sometimes patches of red or green tinged. The forewings are generally narrow and the hind wings somewhat broader, and the two pairs of wings are banded relatively short time. The adult moths, such as clothes moths, cause no direct harm, and only the larval stages caterpillars (or) that attack our products food.
Caterpillars of moths pirausta of cucurbits are usually white or pale yellow with some distinguishing features, but often can be recognized by their vigorous wriggling when disturbed. They feed on a wide variety of materials, including grains and other foodstuffs stored, and many of them live in silken tubes and tunnels. It is always advisable to keep food from home such as grains, cereals, flour, nuts, etc. in plastic and sealed or glass containers – this not only keeps out vagrant moths, but also prevents the spread of insects that can be introduced accidentally (often as eggs and / or larvae) with newly acquired products.
The main species of pests of stored foods include flour or semolina Moth (farinalis pyralis), Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella) and the Indian Meal Moth (Plodia interpunctella). The larvae of these and other species feed on cereals and products Cereal and often destroy or damage large quantities of food in granaries and flour mills. They also attack nuts and dried fruit.
Adult meal moth in India (Plodia interpunctella) 8-10 mm in length
Photo: Ben Smart ©
Larvae of the wax moth (sociella Aphomia) is typical of caterpillars of cucurbits pirausta living inside the tunnels of silk
Photo: Ben Smart ©
Other pirausta moth pests of cucurbits are the wax moth (Galleria mellonella), which is a pest of bee hives, where the larvae feed on the wax combs, covering them with tunnels silk. They also can feed the offspring of the bees when present in large numbers, and because of this are much feared as pests by beekeepers. The larvae of the wax moth another common (sociella Aphomia) Attack of the nests of wild bees and wasps social, especially those of the bees, where the same food and destroy the nest of rearing, as illustrated above (go to the moth and butterfly in the Gallery to view the adult of this species).
Control flour and flour moths
- The best method of avoiding problems with stored product pests is good sanitation. Make sure the areas of food preparation, eating, and is stored are cleaned regularly. Leaving food or spilled food exposed in open packets and containers attracts and harbors these pests. Prevent such practices and, together with regular cleaning, you probably never have a problem. Remember that crumbs and food debris accidentally dry may fall behind furniture, under appliances, or in crevices in countertops, cabinets and storage bins. Regularly take appliances and drawers and completely Vacuum these areas to remove any traces of accumulated debris.
- Buy dry food storage pockets the intention, such as cereals, grains, flour, flour, crackers, nuts, dried fruit, etc, only in amounts to be used within a reasonable period of time. Materials stored for long periods (eg, six months or more) are often the major source of infestation. Pests can develop here without being noticed. In any event, routinely check all stored food products, especially those that go long periods between use.
- Meal and flour moth caterpillars can chew their way into cardboard boxes and thin polyethylene bags. Always keep stored materials in tight fitting containers, preferably glass, metal or hard plastic. If the infestation should occur under these conditions (possibly introduced with newly purchased goods) is likely to be confined to a single bottle or container and easily eradicated by discarding the contents. Glass jars should have rubber seals and metal or plastic must be very tight lid. Dry pet food is one of most frequent stored products attacked by moth pests, so it is appropriate to pay particular attention to the conservation of these foods. If you find a container with infested food, place the food container in the freezer at home for a week, which should kill the animal that is present. Then discard the infested material and wash the container thoroughly before reusing.
- If a moth infestation is evident, immediately locate the source and disposal. If you act in time, this may be the only material infested. Examine unopened food packages thoroughly. If there is any reason to suspect – Be ruthless – throw it out. If the material appears uninfested and prefers to keep it, then at least transfer it to a closed glass, metal or plastic and inspected frequency. Use a vacuum to remove debris from cracks and corners of infested storage areas. Also clean all nearby areas, especially spills and crumbs behind and alongside the devices. Rub the storage space and vicinity with very hot water and a good home in the kitchen clean and strong detergent solution. Let to dry completely before replacing food.
- Insecticide control of household food pests is not generally recommended and can only complement the most significant reorganization measures. Only the use of insecticides and away from areas where food is stored, prepared or eaten and only as a last resort – for example, to treat cracks and crevices inaccessible in other parts of the house or building (away from food) where caterpillars or adult moths may crawled or flown an infested food source and hiding.
- NB The control measures described above for the meal and flour moths are also applicable to cereal and flour beetles, and other internal beetle pests that likewise attack dried foodstuffs.
WARNING. Do not use insecticides in pantries, kitchens, dining rooms and other areas of the house where food is stored, prepared or eaten. Insecticide contamination of food may have toxic effects and is a potential health risks.
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About the Author
Kendall Bioresearch Services – Dr David A Kendall BSc PhD
Consulting Entomologist
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