Moths
A moth is an insect that is closely related to the butterfly. There are thought to be 150,000 to 250,000 different species of moth, which is approximately ten times the number of species of butterfly, with thousands of species yet to be officially described. The majority of species of moths are nocturnal.
Moth larvae, also known as caterpillars, make cocoons. When emerging out of the cocoon, it is a full-grown moth with wings. Some moth caterpillars dig holes in the ground, andwill live in the hole until they are ready to turn into a fully grown moth.
Moths, and particularly their caterpillars, are a serious agricultural pest in many parts of the world. Examples include corn borers and bollworms. The caterpillar of the gypsy moth causes major damage to forests in the northeast United States, where it is an invasive species. In temperate climates, the codling moth causes extensive damage, especially to fruit farms. In tropical and subtropical climates, the diamondback moth is perhaps the most serious pest of crops.
Several moths are seen as pest because their larvae eat fabric such as clothes and blankets made from natural fibers such as wool or silk. They are less likely to eat mixed materials containing artificial fibers. There are some reports that they can be repelled by the scent of wood from juniper and cedar, by lavender, or by other natural oils. However, many consider this unlikely to prevent infestation. The chemical Naphthalene (which is the chemical used in mothballs) is considered more effective, but there are concerns over its effects on the health of human beings.
By the time you see moths in your home, it usually means that they have already found something they like to eat. Fortunately, their feeding choices are rather limited and you can usually find where they are feeding rather quickly.
Moths that are found in a home are generally one of two basic kinds; either a food eating moth or a fabric eating moth. A food eating moth, which is the most common, will most likely be found in your pantry. A fabric eating moth will most likely be found in your closet.
Food eating moths come in a variety of types, but all of them can generally be found be in a pantry, kitchen cabinets, near pet food, or near a garbage can. They especially like to eat various grains, cereals, flour, pastas, powdered milk, bird seed, and other similar foods. These foods are much more likely to attract moths if they are not stored in air-tight containers.
Moth eggs are laid in or near these foods. The eggs will develop into larvae which will start eating the food. In their immature stages, you are unlikely to see them because they will be close to the same color as the food they are in.
The most common type of food moth is the Indian Meal Moth, which is also sometimes referred to as the North American High-Flyer. It is also the most destructive. The larvae are often referred to as “waxworms”, and these moths are also sometimes called flour moths or pantry moths. A female Indian Meal Moth can lay up to 300 eggs at one time. As adults, they grow to be about half an inch long.
Fabric moths include species like the Webbing Moth and the Casemaking Moth. Both of these moths are only about one fourth of an inch long, and do not like to be seen, and rarely are. Generally, the only way you will know that these moths are present is when you see holes in your fabric.
We have the knowledge and ability to rid your house of moths. We will go directly to the source of the problem- where the eggs are being laid. Call us to help eliminate the moths in your home.
