The acrid, pungent odor of mothballs may be a fading memory as fabrics continue to phase away from plant and animal-based materials, but fabric pests like clothing moths can still be a problem in Quad Cities homes. They're not dangerous to have hiding in the darkened recesses of your closet, but if left alone for an extended amount of time they can wreak havoc on your wardrobe, and replacing that much clothing can get expensive. The only problem is, they can spend their entire life cycles nestled away in the back of your dresser, happily munching away on your favorite cotton pullover.
Facts About Clothing Moths In Quad Cities
The most common clothing moth in Quad Cities is the case-making clothes moth. These dusty brown-colored moths only grow to about 3/8 – ½ of an inch in length, and occasionally can be spotted with dark-colored spots on their wings. Even though they're winged insects, they're not particularly strong fliers, so they're more likely to scurry away when they feel threatened. You may be surprised to know that fully matured case-making clothes moths don't eat; instead, it's their grub-like larvae that destroy our linens.
Case-making clothes moth larvae are creamy-white in color with dark brown heads. Freshly hatched, these tiny terrors are barely even 1mm big, but they can reach nearly ½ of an inch long before metamorphosis. Larvae also build and carry around an open-ended tubular case, created out of the same keratin-rich material they've been consuming:
Wool
Felts
Tobacco
Silks
Carpeting
Feathers
Paper starch
Natural and synthetic fibers
Pet and human hair
Leathers
Taxidermy specimens
Clothing Moth Prevention Tips For Your Quad Cities Home
Fortunately, these pests are light-sensitive, so they tend to avoid areas that receive natural and artificial light. This might mean that your furniture's upholstery, curtains, and exposed carpeting are fairly safe, but areas like closets, dressers, and carpeting underneath furniture and appliances are at considerable risk. Not to worry, though; there are plenty of things you can do to prevent a clothing moth infestation in your Quad Cities home:
Reduce clutter around your home to minimize hiding spots
Air out your closets and dressers regularly, and inspect your belongings for any damage
When storing cloth items for long periods, wash and dry them thoroughly and store them in airtight containers
Vacuum regularly to keep excess dust and hair from building on your carpets, remember to vacuum underneath furniture and appliances as well
Have your rugs, carpets, and furniture professionally cleaned regularly
Keep any taxidermy specimens treated with a necessary protectant
Make sure window and door screens are undamaged intact
How To Get Rid Of A Clothing Moth Infestation Without Torching Your Wardrobe
Even though they're considered nuisance pests, trying to deal with a clothing moth infestation can be incredibly frustrating and expensive, and while store-bought pesticides are easy to find and readily available, they often do more harm than good. Aside from containing known carcinogens that can cause a lot of health problems, they're rarely as effective as advertised and usually result in an even worse infestation.
You don't have to battle an infestation on your own; our pest professionals at Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators can clear up your moth problems in no time. You work too hard for your money to waste it on “solutions” that don't work, and that's why we provide effective, affordable, and guaranteed pest elimination. Our staff entomologist makes sure we stay up to date on all the latest pest control innovations, and we always use the highest quality pest control products available. The only holy clothes in your wardrobe should be your Sunday best, so give us a call and we'll take care of the rest!