My House Is Infested With Moths

Pantry Moths

• Moths that feed on human food include Indian meal moths, angoumois grain moths and Mediterranean flour moths. Removal and prevention methods are usually the same no matter the species of moth, but some pest traps are customized to lure specific moths. Indian meal moths have gray bodies with brown wings, angoumois grain moths are small with solid gray or yellow coloring, and Mediterranean flour moths are long and gray with wings that have two black lines.

  Pantry moths are usually carried in with infested food. When a female moth stows away in your groceries, she will lay eggs that may result in hundreds of new moths feeding and breeding in your kitchen.

  Pantry moths are generally harmless, even when ingested, but they are an embarrassing nuisance and their feeding habits can result in premature food spoilage.

Clothes Moths

• Clothes moths were common prior to the 1950s, before fabric used to make commercial clothing was treated with insecticide. Modern organic clothing trends have caused clothes moth infestations to reemerge. Common household moths that feed on clothing include the webbing clothes moth and the casemaking clothes moth. Both of these moths have about 1/2 inch wingspan, are golden in color and are weak fliers. Identify casemaking moths by observing the silken case they either carry, or sit in, at all times.

  Clothes moths feed on protein found in the fibers of organic fabrics such as wool, fur and feathers. They are particularly attracted to food and bodily stains on these fabrics. They use clothing, carpet or furniture fibers as nesting material in which to lay eggs and a female moth will lay about 50 eggs in a 2 to 3 week time span before her life cycle is complete.

  Infestation usually begins when fabric is brought into the home that has eggs or larvae embedded in the fibers.

Removal

• Pantry moth infestations usually occur in flour, crackers, cereal, dry pet food and spices. Discard any food in which you find moths or notice small holes in the packaging. Alternatively, you may place food in your freezer for four days, or heat it to 130 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours to kill insects and eggs. If you notice infestation in a cabinet or closet, carefully inspect all other food items contained in the same area for signs of moths. Once all infested food has been removed, thoroughly clean surrounding floors and shelving by vacuuming, then wash with soap and hot water. The Beyond Pesticides website recommends removing canned food from infested pantries and washing cans in soapy water to kill any microscopic moth eggs.

  Throw out articles contaminated by clothing moths, or have them dry cleaned to kill moths, larvae and eggs. You can also wash items in hot water (at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit) for 20 to 30 minutes. Vacuum the area surrounding the infestation and discard the vacuum bag. Use dry ice to fumigate heavily infested areas.

  Pheromone traps sold at hardware and home improvement stores lure and trap specific species of moth. These can be helpful when you are unsure of whether moths in your home are feeding off food or clothing. They also can eliminate small populations of moths before they begin to breed.

  Severe infestations may require help from a professional exterminator. He will often use pesticides to remove moths. It is important to seek professional guidance when using pesticides to make sure your food and clothing do not become contaminated with harmful chemicals.

Preventing Reinfestation

• Keep your home clean and free of crumbs, dust and clutter. Store dry food in airtight storage containers, and discard food that is unwanted or expired. Examine food at the grocery store, and avoid bringing any food into your home that has holes in packaging or visible insects. Wash clothing frequently and thoroughly, and don't allow dirty laundry to pile up in your home. Store clothing that you don't wear often in airtight tubs or plastic garment bags.

  Avoid moth balls, as ingredients in them are toxic and they have a strong, offensive odor. Cedar chests release aromatic oils that kill some types of moth larvae, but selecting a chest with a heavy, air-tight lid is more effective, according to the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.