MOTHS
Like most insect pests, the adult clothes Moths don’t actually cause the damage. It is the clothes moth’s larvae which feed on your garments and other natural fibres, such as: hair, wool, cashmere, silk and cotton. Natural fibres contain a protein called keratin which give them their vital nutrients to complete their metamorphosis.
There are over 2,500 moth species in the UK, however only a few are considered pests.
The common moth pests you’ll come across are:
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Common or Webbing Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella)
The webbing clothes moth is generally light yellow in colour and has a shiny lustre. The hind wings are grey-yellow and both fore and hind wings are fringed with fine hairs. The wings are quite thin and the wing span is between 12 -16 mm. The adult moths have a reddish-gold tuft of hair on the top of their heads. The larvae are a dirty yellow with a yellow-brown head and can reach a length of 7-9 mm.
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Case-Bearing Clothes Moth (Tinaea pellionella)
The case-bearing clothes moth is less common than the webbing clothes moth.
Larvae spin a small silken case around themselves as they feed.
This cigar-shaped case enlarges as the larva grows. When crawling, the larva's head, thorax, and three pairs of legs, outside the case, drag it along.
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White shouldered house moth (Endrosis sarcitrella)
7-9mm in length with an open wingspan of 10– 23mm.
Brown in colour with brown mottled wings and a distinctive white head and shoulders.
Larvae are small and white with a brown head.
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Brown House Moth (Hofmannophila pseudospretella)
The adult moth is around 8mm in length with an Open wing span 15–25mm.
Bronze-brown in colour, with dark brown to black flecks on the forewings. When at rest the wings are folded over the body and a noticeable fringe of hairs on the tips of the wings can be seen.
The Larvae are around 6mm, white with a brown head.
The Brown House Moth requires a high proportion of animal protein in its diet including feathers, wool and hair - a diet which is reflected in its behaviour as a scavenger.
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Indian Meal Moth (Plodia interpunctella)
The adult moth has a wingspan of about 20 mm. The front wings are reddish brown on the outer two- thirds and light greyish brown on the inner one- third. The head and thorax are reddish brown and the hind wings are grey.
head.
The larvae are cream in colour, with yellowish-
green or pinkish shades, and has a dark brown
The larvae and pupa stages are often seen on walls
and wall/ceiling junctions.
DID YOU KNOW?
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Pest moths are broken down into two categories: textile pests and stored product insects ( SPIs). This is because of their feeding behaviour, where they lay eggs and typically where you will find them. Understanding the feeding will direct you to the source which is paramount if you want to completely eradicate your pest issue.
If you or anyone else has a moth problem that requires assistance, get in touch via our contact form, call 01184050156 or email: info@fullguardpestcontrol.co.uk
INFESTATION IDENTIFICATION
Marks of the moth
Furrows
The first thing most people notice is the damage caused to clothes, fabrics or carpets, known as furrows. These tunnel-like trenches appear on wool clothing and natural fabrics.
Actual Moths
A key indicator of a moth infestation
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Main species of moth treated as pests UK
BROWN HOUSE MOTH
The brown house moth belongs to the concealer moth species and is likely originally a native of Asia. Unfortunately, human activity has introduced the brown house moth to other regions. Due to this it is found almost worldwide today and is considered a pest due to the caterpillars' feeding activity, which can be highly destructive.
The adult brown house moth is typically 8-14 mm with its wingspan spanning 15–26 mm. They have a bronze-brown colour with dark brown and black flecks, usually on the forewings.
TECHNIQUES EMPLOYED
Insecticidal SPRAYS
Full Guard uses an integrated, inspection-led approach to pest control, which means it's rare that any two treatments will be the same.
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Insecticidal dusts are applied directly into the affected area; this method is extremely effective at killing hatched eggs and larvae.
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