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darrenbdarren
Starting Member
3 Posts |
 Posted - 14 Aug 2007 : 14:56:03
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I've got a 2 bed flat with a moth problem focused around the hot water cylinder in a cupboard (carpeted). Fairly sure that they are clothes moths, and have been monitoring for about 9 months using sticky pheromone traps - which are now alomst completely covered with the little buggers.
I kill 2-3 a day of the males, which can spread around the flat, but tend to be mostly just outside / inside the cupboard door. The area around the cupboard where the infestation is centred is dark, which just encourages the moths. Hoovering is difficult because of the hot water cylinder.
Have manage to largely contain them by keeping the doors closed and killing roving moths on site, but obviously this isn't ideal, and am afraid that they'll move on to other areas of the flat too.
Can I treat this myself or do I need to call in the professionals? I really can't afford to dry clean all our clothes as a precautionary measure.
Any advice much appreciated... |
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Bob Staines
Senior Member
Botswana
173 Posts |
Posted - 14 Aug 2007 : 15:26:28
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monitoring for 9 months???
call in a pro, many will do a free survey.
there will be an ideal breeding site somewhere with food for the larvae. this needs finding and treating rather than monitoring. |
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darrenbdarren
Starting Member
3 Posts |
Posted - 14 Aug 2007 : 15:32:20
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| Thanks Bob. It breaks down to approx 1 month of monitoring + 8 months of apathy... |
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Iain
Moderator
United Kingdom
395 Posts |
Posted - 14 Aug 2007 : 16:19:02
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There is a product called .... wait for it .... Rentokil Clothes Moth Killer Strips (sorry 'Rentokil' is a name that can cause problems on this Forum  ).
This is based on an unusual insecticide called transfluthrin (a pyrethroid which vaporises slowly) which kills the moths, larvae and eggs. One impregnated paper strip treats up to 1 cubic metre for 6 months.
It is an 'amateur' product, so should be available from a suitable 'retail store near you'...if you're in the UK.
If the infestation is inside the cupboard, this product should sort it. Remember your pheromone trap will only be trapping males, leaving the females to lay their eggs wherever they please.
They tend to choose natural fibres (wool, cotton etc) especially the sweaty parts (use your own imagination).
I was watching 'Grand Designs' the other week and saw a house being insulated with a special natural material made from sheeps wool. It was being installed in every external wall, where it was sealed in place. I do hope that it was proofed against insect attack...! |
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darrenbdarren
Starting Member
3 Posts |
Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 10:11:44
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I am definitely an "amateur", so this sounds like just what I'm after. Thank you very much indeed - I had no idea that this product even existed.
Will nip out this eve to pick some up - can't wait to "get toxic on their ass".
Thanks again |
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Clothes moths
