Moths in textiles
Moths (butterflies) can be classified both as “pests in textiles and furs” (e.g. Case-bearing clothes moth, Wedding clothes moth and Carpet/tapestry moth) as well as “pests in groceries” (e.g. Tineidae, European grain moth – Nemapogon granellus and Angoumois grain moth – Sitotroga cerealella). In this page, previously mentioned the most common textile and fur pests are described in more detailed.
Wedding clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) does not live wild in Finland. Heated buildings allow moths to develop year-round – usually two generations a year. Females lay eggs to e.g. woolen fabrics, furs and insulations. Larvae weave a tube, where they live and move around. Larva of the Wedding clothes moth can be easily identified by this tube.
Wedding clothes moth used to be a common and nasty pest. However, nowadays its significance has diminished. It seems that the air coming from the central heating systems is way too dry for it to cope. Nowadays, they mostly arrive to households along with the stuffings (pillow or blanket) and with the clothes bought from abroad.
Larvae of Case-bearing clothes moth (Tinea pellionella) however live wild in Finland. From there, they can arrive to households and do damage there to natural fibers e.g. cotton, wool and furs. Significance of Case-bearing clothes moth is nowadays even smaller than Wedding clothes moth. Nowadays, Case-bearing moths usually, do their damage in the open attics and in the cold storage facilities of the museums.
Significance of Carpet/tapestry moth (Trichophaga tapetzella) is in Finland, even lower than the previously mentioned moths.
Identification
Both adult moths (Case-bearing clothes moth and Wedding clothes moth) are relatively similar in size (wingspan around 1,5 cm in diameter). Therefore they can be best distinguished by their front wings colour.
Front wings of the Case-bearing clothes moth are grey and yellow. Front wings of the Wedding clothes moth are straw-coloured. Case-bearing clothes moth also have 1-2 spots on its both wings – Wedding clothes moth do not have those spots.
Larvae of both moths are also relatively similar in size (8-10 mm).
What can I do by myself?
You are able to prevent the damages done by Wedding clothes moth by following the instructions attached here. Keep your clothes clean, ventilate your house regularly and store your non-regular textiles (e.g. clothes, sheet and blankets) in the sealed packages. All clothes and furniture bought as used ones, shall be first disinfected in washing machine (+60°C) and also treated by pesticides, if necessary. In addition to that, all damp textiles should be dried and their moisture source should be removed as much as possible.
If you notice adult butterflies of Wedding clothes moth flying around in your house, first thing to do is to locate the contamination source. It may be e.g. a garment made out of natural fibers (e.g. wool), fur or a recently purchased filled furniture. All contaminated products must be either disposed, disinfected in washing machine (+60°C) or stored e.g. in a freezer or likewise continuous low temperature (-25 to 30°C) for a week. We will help you if needed!
If you are unable to solve your moth problem by yourself, please contact us. We will solve it! We will solve it!
Pest control
At first, case pre-study and then the design of unique pest control plan. After that, efficient and high-quality pest control actions with the latest available methods and techniques.
In order to achieve high-quality results in the most efficient way, we tend to use different kind of pest control methods and techniques. Our main target in pest control, is to avoid pesticides as much as possible.
Our technical responsible persons, will provide upon request additional information about our pest control methods and techniques. Please, contact us for more information!