Moth infestation in house can cause problems for you and test your patience. To get rid of such infestations, follow the tips mentioned here.
Moths that can infect your house are broadly classified into two types, namely, the pantry moth and the webbing clothes moth. If your eatables and pantry area are under moth infestation, then the culprit is the Indianmeal moth, which is known scientifically as Plodia interpunctella.
Unfortunately, if your woolens, fabrics, synthetics, furs, and silk are under threat, then the damage is being done by webbing clothes moth, known taxonomically as Tineola bisslliella.
Moth infestation is a serious issue and it must be dealt with at the earliest, before it forces you to leave your home and look for another.
You may know all about threats of infestation, as they have already caused enough trouble in your house. Let's find out how to get rid of these notorious insects causing such complications.
Getting Rid of Moths
Be it in bedroom or carpet, moth infestation can be a scary experience as it can turn your home into a battlefield between you and these insects. These notorious insects can destroy your food and clothes, both with equal expertise. Here are some ways you can tackle these pests:
Recent years of research has led to the development of pheromone-based moth traps that are highly effective in controlling these insects. You can use them to your advantage.
Regular cleaning through vacuum cleaners is essential for cleaning moth traps, as it helps in reducing the threats of these pests. Special types of vacuum cleaners can reach areas where brooms can't reach easily.
Frequently use extreme temperatures to end infestation in the house.
Humidity promotes moth survival, hence ensure that you're using a dehumidifier and air conditioner to keep them at bay.
Ensure that you fill cervices and cracks in your home without fail. Small infestation frequently occurs due to the ability of moths to hide in cracks. Eliminate them from there and the chances of infestation in house reduce drastically.
Use moth repellents for destroying these pests and to keep them away.
Moth Control in Kitchen
Once the initial infestation has been eliminated in the kitchen, you have to work consistently to prevent moths from getting inside food containers and in the kitchen. Proper storing of your grains and food is essential. Before storing your food properly, clean the containers with hot and soapy water.
Rinse the containers properly and keep them for drying in sunlight before storing food in them. After you've taken out the vegetables and eatables from grocery bag, keep them in the freezer and let the items be there for sufficient time (two to four days). To avoid any threat of these insects in the pantry, clean all the kitchen area properly.
The temperature of the freezer is apt to kill any larvae or eggs that may be present in the grocery bags and vegetables. Storing food in air-tight containers is the most ideal choice to prevent moths from spoiling your food. Hard plastic, metal, and glass containers can also be used for keeping these pests out of your kitchen.
To eliminate infestation in clothing, aim to kill any moth larvae or eggs first. After washing and drying the clothing that has been infested, you must keep them in the freezer for two to three days. Small items, like handkerchief and socks, can be put together in a basket and then kept in the freezer.
Don't directly keep the clothing in shelves. Ensure that all the areas where keep your clothing have been cleaned properly. For preventing the spread of infestation in the closet, every nook and cranny of the shelves, rods to hold hangers, and all other areas have to be bleached properly.
No cracks must be left unclean, as that can eventually restart the outbreak of moths. Even one larva or egg can waste all your efforts, as it can again give birth to a large brood.
Note: In case none of these tips work, seek help from pest control experts, as they are best in handling cases of infestation. Better be safe than sorry for having wasted your efforts.