Clothes Moths (Tineola bisselliella)
The first stage is to identify the species, we have two main species In the uk, the common clothes moth and the case bearing clothes moth.
Once we have clearly identified the moth, we then have to find the source of the infestation. We'll check all areas where they are likely to inhabit such as wardrobes under furniture chest of draws and storage areas. Their will be tell tell signs, larvae, egg casings, damage to textiles and live or dead moths.
We ask the client prior to any treatments to hoover all affected areas thoroughly to reduce the numbers of eggs adults and larvae, this is extremely important. If your textiles have been affected, you should wash them or if possible add to a chest freezer for a few days, obviously be careful with freezing as this could damage the item.
When it comes to treatments, we would use a broad spectrum insecticide treating all areas/rooms where the moths have been seen, wall floor junctions are where the larvae can reside as it offers them access to move freely around your premises. In conjunction with this, if there are a lot of adults, we may conduct a (ULV) treatment, (Ultra Low Volume) using a suitable canister or machine depending on the severity and the environment. One treatment is generally not enough, it can take several visits.
Do empty your hoover bags regularly as they love to live In them.
Wash clothes, towels, curtains, blankets, soft furnishings.
The key to treatment of this species is to act quick, don't leave it, as the larvae will eat pretty much any organic fibres especially wool silk leather or tapestries.
How do we at SPS take the initial call to arms and organise a site visit/treatment.
- You call us with what your issues are
- We discuss what you’ve found
- We organise a suitable time to visit you
- Our professional trained service staff will asses the situation
- Diagnose why and how the moths are in your space
- We look at the evidence and organise a treatment schedule
- This could be using the trusted method of using insecticides
