There are many creatures to consider when managing home pest control. One bug that can wreak havoc on your property is the clothes moth.
These winged pests are attracted to organic materials, including wool, cashmere and fur. However, they aren't the same bugs that are out in the open, flying around lights. Adult clothes moths are only 1/2 inch, and they're not the culprits that eat holes through articles of clothing. It's their larvae, which are less than 1/2-inch long.
There are two species of clothes moths - the casemaking clothes moth and the webbing clothes moth. Both feed on textiles as larvae.
The casemaking species creates and carries a case from its food. To make detection even more difficult, the cases take on the color of the fabric that's been ingested. These pests can feed from either end of the case and withdraw into it when they feel threatened.
The webbing clothes moths spin silk webs to create a network of temporary feeding tubes. They leave behind this webbing when they move on to other areas to feed.
Both species prefer darkness, so they can be difficult to detect. If you suspect that your closet is hosting these pests, look in dark areas of the closet and inspect hiding spots on the clothing, such as the underside of collars. Keep an eye out for tubes or webbing that may be an indication of clothes moths. These destructive bugs can travel from room to room, so prevention through daily practices can help protect your home against these pests.
Clothes moths can be found on apparel and in bird and rodent nests, underscoring the importance of complete pest management at home.
Clothes moths rarely nest on clothing that's frequently worn. If there are articles that are rarely used, consider storing them away in airtight bags or storage bins. For the clothes that are left out, clean them regularly and thoroughly. Any clothes moths that are already present can be rid of with a wash using hot water or dry cleaning.
Address the closet as well by vacuuming and scrubbing down the space. This will ensure that any moths that managed to escape the cleaning won't have further opportunities to infest your closet.
If you experience an infestation, don't hesitate to reach out to a pest control company such as Abell Pest Control. These professionals can take care of the problem and advise you on best practices that'll keep your home pest-free.
You probably already know that most people are repulsed by the simple sight of cockroaches. If you are personally dealing with a cockroach infestation, the feelings of disgust are probably even more intense. Unfortunately, the cold winter weather tends to be one of the reasons this pest ends up in your home in the first place, according to Any Pest. While you may know that you don't want to share your home with cockroaches this winter, there are a number of interesting facts about this pest that you've probably never heard.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
During the summer months, some people love to go camping with family and friends. Yet this fun trip can be ruined with a few unwanted visitors, most notably different types of bugs. Crawling spiders, hungry mosquitoes and buzzing flies can become annoying quickly. How can you avoid these pests when you're outdoors? Consider these tips to keep bugs out of your campsite.
Carpenter ants can chew through the strongest studs and stringers in a house as they hollow the wooden beams out for nesting. The resulting damage can weaken the home's structural support and require expensive repairs. Professional pest control workers can remove a colony of ants, but the best practice for homeowners is to learn the best ways to keep out an ant colony and prevent the problem before it begins.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
