Moths may be small, but they can cause real damage around the house. Some species may infest your kitchen and living room area, while others are notorious for their ability to ruin your favorite clothes. Even in the winter, these flying insects can be a serious nuisance and demand action from homeowners. Here's what you need to know about the different ways moths can infest your home and what you can do about it:
Some types of moths can be rather small, and as the University of California reported, their life cycle can be especially problematic. Females can produce dozens of eggs in a short period of time, and these hatch in less than two weeks. After laying eggs, the females usually die, while male moths will continue to mate. This means that if you don't treat an infestation, you could have a continued population of these pests for many weeks.
To make matters worse, the larvae stage can range significantly across species. Some moths may become adults in just a few weeks, while others can take years to reach maturity. For that reason, you could be dealing with an explosion of moths in the kitchen while a stable group of larvae lay dormant in the attic or closet. This can depend on the type of moth, but also on the availability of food.
Moths can be quite resourceful, and like other pests will make use of any available food. This can range from grains like cereal or rice, as well as fruit, seeds and even pet food. Be sure to keep your pantry and cupboards free of bugs by sealing all food in air-tight containers.
The University of Illinois found that moths can also be problematic for your yard. Some species, such as the gypsy moth, can eat a tremendous amount of plant matter in a single day, and target common types of trees like oak, beech, willow and others. A well-kept yard usually encourages a balanced population of insects and can limit the possibility of one species becoming too dominant.
Aside from infesting your pantry or reeking havoc in the yard, moths are such difficult pests because they can feed directly on clothing. Many types of moths prefer dark conditions and for that reason your closet is an excellent habitat for these animals to breed and survive. And unfortunately most folks have reached for a favorite piece of clothing only to discover it's been destroyed by hungry moths.
Moth eggs and larvae may hide under collars, cuffs and other areas of your clothes. For that reason, it can be easy to overlook a possible infestation. And because of their sometimes slow life cycle, your home could harbor moths through the summer and well into the winter or beyond.
Keeping moths and other pests out of your home starts with proper prevention. During the warmer months, be sure to use screens on windows and doors. And year-round, keep an eye out for possible signs of an infestation. Look for damage in your pantry or closet. Hang nice pieces of clothes in protective bags, and consider storing other items in plastic bins to keep hungry insects out. If you buy clothes second-hand, put them in the dryer on high heat to eliminate any eggs or larvae.
If you are dealing with moths, there are a few items you can buy at the store that will be helpful. Having said that, consulting with a pest control professional is your best bet for keeping your home safe from these flying insects.
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:
Summer is almost here and before you head out on a family trip or even if you travel for work, consider doing a little research so you become familiar with bed bugs. This will help you identify them quickly and it could keep you from bringing them home unknowingly!
For some, the garage is a primarily a storage unit. If your household is one that keeps its vehicles parked in the driveway, you may have considered clearing out the garage or at least organizing it so that you can better locate your things. Another good reason to do so it because a cluttered garage makes it easier for pests to hide. In the summer months, pests might invade the space looking for some shade. During winter, rodents may take shelter from the cold. Perhaps worst of all, a swarm of bees or wasps could decide that an open wall is the perfect spot to build a nest. For these reasons alone, you should consider cleaning out your garage and inspecting it for pest damage. Read on to learn how:
With autumn in full swing, chances are you're spending more time outside, enjoying the changing colors. Hikes through the forest and walks through the park are great ways of enjoying the outdoors before the cold months of winter come. These activities are so much more enjoyable when you can take your beloved canine company with you. But when you do, you have to be wary about ticks and fleas. These parasites can spread disease at worst and make your pet very itchy at best. Keep reading to learn how to keep your pets pest free.
Resort hotels have an increased risk of pest infestations because there are several potential points of entry. The surrounding environment, food shipments and the guests themselves can all bring pests into the facilities. A solid integrated pest management strategy is important for keeping these pests from becoming a costly problem. Here are a few tips for controlling pests at hotel resorts:
Moths may be small, but they can cause real damage around the house. Some species may infest your kitchen and living room area, while others are notorious for their ability to ruin your favorite clothes. Even in the winter, these flying insects can be a serious nuisance and demand action from homeowners. Here's what you need to know about the different ways moths can infest your home and what you can do about it:
Autumn is a fun season because the leaves are changing color, the big holidays are right around the corner, and there's all kinds of new treats to try. But it's also the time of year when more pests may try to invade your home. As they look to escape from the chilly nights, pests might see your home as the perfect hideaway. Be prepared for some of the season's top pests by reading the tips below:
One of the world's most abundant pests, silverfish can invade just about any home, restaurant or business. These tiny insects are adept at surviving in seemingly inhospitable environments, and as such, can easily survive in a basement or storage room. Silverfish may be gray, dark brown or even blue in color. They also have two long antennae and several appendages on the rear that look like tails. Unfortunately, these bugs can scurry across the floor so quickly you may not see them at all. Here's a little bit more about these frustrating pests:
