Description
Tineola
bisselliella (Family: Tineidae), Webbing Clothes Moth
The common clothes moth, webbing or case-bearing moth is often a serious pest of natural fibre-based
fabrics such as clothing, curtains and carpets. The larvae
of the consume the fibres, causing the characteristic webbing, and leading
to the destruction of the fabric. There may be multiple generations
per annum, depending on location and climate. Adult moths
breed and lay eggs that hatch into the larvae which cause
the damage to clothes, carpets and fabrics.
Control:
The first step in controlling a moth infestation
is housekeeping. Before treatment, all carpets and upholstery must be thoroughly vacuumed, and clutter and debris should
be reduced to a minimum. This may expose unknown sources of
moth infestation, as well as greatly enhancing effectiveness of
the treatment.
Where moths have infested clothing or loose
fabrics, these should be washed on the hottest setting possible
for the fabric, or otherwise dry cleaned. If neither method
is possible, fabrics can be sealed in plastic bags until
treatment in the premises is complete. Placement of the fabrics
in a freezer for 24 hours may also be effective in destroying
eggs and larvae.
Insecticide spray:
A residual insecticide spray is recommended for lasting protection against moths.
Protector C residual insecticide is manufactured from
natural pyrethrum, and therefore lethally effective against
insects but with little or no risk to humans or mammals. Alternatively,
Oa2ki
organic insect killer, concentrate or spray is also highly effective against
flying and crawling insects but has contains no toxic chemicals
at all.
Fumigation: Fortefog
P Mini Fumers, in packs of three, five, ten or twenty offer an excellent DIY fumigation method based on natural
pyrethrum, which is highly effective against a wide range
of insects. A very useful alternative for treating areas where
the use of a wet spray is not practical or desirable, such
as loft voids, cupboards, wardrobes and small rooms.
Trapping:
Pheromone Monitor Traps are designed to attract, kill
and remove adult male moths, to monitor infestations, providing control over smaller infestations by breaking the
breeding cycle. Keeping records of catches – even
zero counts – may prove vital when planning
suitable control programmes.
The traps can be placed on shelving,
on the floor, or hung up where the fabrics to be monitored
are kept. One trap is sufficient to monitor a single
confined space, such as a wardrobe. Where larger areas need
to be monitored, a minimum of one trap per 10m2 is required.
Refill Pads should be changed every six to
eight weeks to maintain effectiveness. In very dusty environments,
the pads may need to be replaced more frequently. Natural Repellents:
Scents such as lavender, citronella and cedar wood insects such as the tineola species. Pest Control Products UK sells a range of natural fabric protection products, including fabric and garment bags.
| 
