How to destroy furniture moths and their larvae in an apartment?

Various types of insects live near people in houses and apartments. Some species are not too annoying with their presence, others are downright harmful. Today we propose to talk in more detail about one such pest, more specifically about carpet moths. This publication will discuss the question of what types of house moths exist, what they eat, and how to get rid of the parasite at home.

Types of moths

For the method of dealing with uninvited guests to work, first decide what type of moth you are dealing with. It should be noted that butterflies do not harm insects, but their caterpillars can ruin all things in their habitat.

Fur moth

The insect is also called “wool moth”. The fur moth settles in wardrobes with hanging fur coats and woolen products. Even a plastic bag will not stop an insect on its way to eating a thing: it will easily gnaw through it. If woolen clothes are removed, the pest can spoil the natural fillings of pillows, books, and felt. A small gray-yellow butterfly with dark dots on its wings in the apartment means that a fur moth has settled in your closet. Butterflies can be brought into the house on clothes, even books from the library.

Clothes moth

If you notice a yellow butterfly with a purple tint in your house, it means you have met a male clothes moth. Females only lay larvae, which eat your clothes indiscriminately. You can find a colony of insects in a dark wardrobe or chest of drawers.

Furniture moth

From the name it is clear that the insect settles in furniture. The female lays larvae in the cracks of the wooden frames of sofas, armchairs, and couches. The butterfly has a bright yellow color with a dark base of the wings. The larva can get into the apartment together with outer clothing, on the fur of the animal.

Kitchen moth

Food moths, having chosen the kitchen, will settle in some foods. Favorite food for insects:

• nuts - granary moths settle here;
• flour is the habitat of the flour butterfly;
• potatoes are the favorite dish of the potato insect;
• cereals – called grain;
• dried fruits are damaged by fruit moths.

Most often, grain moths appear in the kitchen. This is due to the fact that when buying various cereals, flour, dried fruits, we cannot closely examine the contents of the package, and we use such products quite often. This is the only type of insect that can cause intoxication in humans when eating food with its excrement. The color of the butterfly is gray with black specks or brown stripes.

Buffalo bug

Settles in carpets and sometimes leather goods. It hides larvae well in the pile, making them difficult to find. The pest does not respond to traditional means of control; it eats natural and synthetic fibers, so it is sometimes difficult to remove.

There are also wax moths, which settle in beehives and cause beekeepers a lot of trouble.

Agricultural pests

It is better to study the enemy thoroughly so as not to get confused if you suddenly have to meet him not only in the apartment, but also in the garden! It is quite common for entire colonies to attack agricultural crops, poisoning the lives of gardeners. Let's look at several main types of moths:

grain moth

The grain moth is a species of keratophagous silvery-white with a small bright brown pattern on the fore wings. They can also be recognized by their gray belly and wings, the span of which reaches up to fifteen millimeters. Pupation occurs primarily in spring and summer. Grain moths can most often be found in barns, warehouses, granaries and other places where grain crops are stored. An individual grain moth lays up to a hundred eggs directly on grains: one or two eggs are glued to each grain. The female combines several grains into a kind of lump with the help of a sticky liquid secreted, similar to a web, and eats them while inside this lump of web. To move, she has to drag the entire bundle behind her. This type of moth prefers to pupate in cracks in the floor and walls. In addition to grains, moths also eat dried fruits and various seeds.

Rye moth

Rye moth - this species has a wingspan of up to thirteen millimeters. The hind wings are dark yellow, with a brownish edging. The most common rye moth is found in central Russia. Individuals prefer to lay eggs towards the end of summer on wild cereals and on emerging winter crops. The larva eats the core of the stem and spends the whole winter in it. Pupation of rye moth larvae occurs closer to mid-summer.

Clothes and fur moths: what they eat and how they get into the apartment

Regardless of whether your apartment is perfectly clean or constantly messy, this does not affect the appearance of the pest. The insect can get to you from the street on the undercoat of a pet, outer clothing, with books, or through ventilation from neighbors.

You can even “buy” moths at the store along with a new item. Clothes and fur species live in closets and eat clothes made from natural fabrics. They are especially attracted to unwashed clothes that smell of sweat and have small flakes of skin. You may not notice the insect right away because it is predominantly nocturnal.

An adult insect does not have a mouthpart and does not harm things. This moth lives no more than 3–4 weeks. The pest is unsafe: larvae hatch from the eggs it lays and eat clothing. Therefore, when you notice a butterfly, watch where it flies. You will probably be able to find a settlement of caterpillars and destroy the entire family.

Features of reproduction

A moth goes through the following stages during its life:

1. The butterfly lays eggs, from which larvae appear, which pupate, and from them butterflies emerge. Larvae that appear from eggs laid by a butterfly in the fibers of fabric or fur are dangerous for things. It is important to know that in a city apartment the insect is able to lay eggs all year round.
2. The egg develops for two weeks at a temperature of +20 degrees, the development period of the larva is from three to ten months, during which time it forms a cocoon around itself from the material in which the larva started.
3. After emerging from the cocoon, the butterfly lives for 2-4 weeks; it flies mainly at night, but poorly, since its wings are poorly developed. Throughout her entire life, she lays eggs.

Aerosols

When using aerosols after the procedure, be sure to leave the apartment for a while. Spray the aerosol according to the instructions on the can in the suspected nesting areas of the pest.

Mosquitall Moth protection

It copes well with clothes moths, killing them in a couple of hours. After using the spray, be sure to walk for a while and then ventilate the room thoroughly.

"Armol" from moths

Used on clothing, textiles or wood. Spray Armol directly on the surface of the item and wait a little. The spray does not leave white marks on clothes and has a slight lavender scent.

"Extramit"

A more aggressive drug that can rid you of insects for a maximum period of six months. It is sprayed similarly to the previous product, and not only on clothes, but also in the closet.

"Raptor" from moths

Apply the product only to cabinet parts. The aerosol enters the respiratory tract of the moth and destroys both larvae and adults. Does not cause any unpleasant sensations in humans, it smells like citrus fruits. Able to protect the cabinet from pests for a period of 1 year.

Anti-mol "STOP moth"

Will cope with protecting clothes and furniture from insects. Designed for use at home and businesses. Kills the entire population in the house.

Prevention

Housewives are interested in how to store cereals and things in the house so that moths do not appear.

There are a number of rules for this:

1. You should not buy a lot of cereals, nuts, tea at once. It is better to replenish supplies as needed.
2. Cheap loose cereals may contain insect larvae, so you need to purchase cereals in hermetically sealed packs and bags.
3. Periodically check existing supplies for the presence of the parasite and its larvae.
4. It is worth storing provisions in glass or metal containers.
5. You need to place bunches of aromatic herbs on the kitchen shelves and in the closet. They need to be changed as the smell dissipates.
6. After purchasing the cereal, you should immediately bake it in the oven. Old stocks that are not visually infected are also kept there for about 15 minutes. In winter, grains can be frozen as an alternative.
7. It is not recommended to create significant accumulations of garbage in the house in the form of old things, carpets, pillows.

Sources

• https://dezplan.ru/vopros/mol-v-krupe
• https://obnaruzhil.ru/mol/pishhevaya.html
• https://FB.ru/article/268051/mol-v-krupe-kak-izbavitsya-sovetyi-po-borbe-i-hraneniyu-krup
• https://parazitdoma.ru/mol/mol-v-krupe
• https://Dezoff.ru/mol/pishchevaya-mol/
• https://KatalogPoleznogo.ru/dom/pishhevaya-mol-na-kuhne-32-sposoba-vyivesti.html
• https://apest.ru/mol/vse-o-moli/zavelas-mol-v-krupe-kak-izbavitsya/
• https://GdeKlop.ru/mol/kak-izbavitsya-ot-moli-v-krupah/

Fumigators

They are a device into which special plates or vials of liquid are inserted. The fumigator operates from the electrical network. The plates or liquid heat up and evaporate substances that are poisonous to the moth. Very convenient to use and do not harm humans. The effectiveness of the fight can be increased by installing the device directly inside the cabinet using a carrier. The insect will die, and the clothes will not have to be washed to remove the smell.

Fumigator Mosquitall

Mosquitol's range is 30 square meters. m. The fumigator begins to operate immediately after you plug it into the network.

Fumigator Raid

Works on liquid and on plates. The spectrum of action does not differ from fumigators from other companies, but costs a little more.

Fumigator "Raptor"

It works similarly to devices from other manufacturers, from the mains on plates or liquid.

Sections or plates

Special sections in the form of hanging plates and perfume bags are made on the basis of natural ingredients and repel adults with a pungent odor. The device must be hung directly in the closet.

However, over time, the insect gets used to the aroma and continues its life cycle. Use the section control method after chemically treating the room using an aerosol or fumigator, then new pests will not get into the closet. You can buy sections of the brands “Raptor”, “Moskitol” with different scents.

Pheromone traps

They are a cardboard box with holes, coated inside with non-drying glue. The cardboard is impregnated with a special product with the scent of a female. The males smell the female and fly into the box, where they stick tightly.

When all the males disappear, the females cannot lay larvae, and the moth disappears from its habitat. It is well suited for controlling food pests because it is odorless and does not emit harmful substances. By installing a pheromone trap in a closet or on a kitchen shelf, you will get rid of clothes moths for a long time.

Crayons

One of the cheapest means of struggle. It is used when insects are just beginning to appear in sight. In the pest's habitat, draw wide stripes with chalk, after wearing a mask and gloves: the product contains toxic substances. Treated areas should not come into contact with food or bedding. Ideally, the product is best used in combination with other methods of combating moths.

Traditional methods

With the help of folk remedies, you can get rid of the annoying insect without causing harm to yourself and family members. Basically, the methods are designed to use strong-smelling herbs that are excellent at repelling insects.

Lavender oil

The insect cannot tolerate strong-smelling essential oils, especially those with the scent of lavender. It’s not for nothing that pest control chemicals are produced with this particular scent. Soak several cotton pads in lavender essential oil and place them on the shelves of your closet. Replace the discs with new ones every two weeks. The pungent smell will repel the pest for a long time.

Dried lavender

Dried lavender is cheaper than lavender ether, but with the same effect it will repel moths with a pungent odor. Make bags out of gauze, put herbs in them and place them in butterfly habitats. If you yourself cannot stand the smell of lavender, this method is unlikely to work, because this aroma will be present in the apartment.

Dried or fresh citrus zest

An excellent pest control product. The smell of citrus fruits will not allow the female to even lay eggs. Place bags of dried zest (optionally, just fresh peels of orange, grapefruit, lemon) on cabinet shelves or in dresser drawers.

Sagebrush

The strong smell of wormwood can repel annoying pests for a long time. By placing bags of grass around the perimeter of the cabinet, you can easily get rid of insects.

Clove buds (spice)

Spices are also good at repelling moths. Pour the spice into fabric bags and place it in your clothing pockets, shelves and drawers in your closet.

Geranium

To combat the pest, you can use both dried flowers and live geraniums in a pot. An excellent remedy for fighting kitchen moths. Place the plant in places where butterflies appear: the aroma of geranium will drive them out of the apartment forever. Dry geranium, like other herbs, scatter into bags and place in the closet.

Frost and sun

Moths cannot tolerate high or low temperatures. Hang your clothes on the balcony for several hours: low temperatures can kill both adults and larvae. Hot weather will have the same effect.

Therapy

Treatment for moth allergy may include traditional pharmacy products and medications (table below).

To get rid of moths you can use:

• mint;
• naphthalene;
• tobacco;
• citrus fruit peels;
• geranium;
• vinegar with garlic;
• thyme;
• rosemary, etc.

The symptoms of moth allergy can be cured in a fairly short time, but the disease cannot be eliminated forever. If you pay close attention to your health, follow preventive measures and doctor’s recommendations, the patient’s quality of life will not deteriorate after therapy.

Almost all moths actually do not have a proboscis. But this does not mean that a moth is not a butterfly. But why moths don’t have a proboscis is a really interesting question, and evolutionary biologists who are well versed in the peculiarities of the biology and life activity of these insects can answer it.

No larvae found: what to do

Many people are mistaken in believing that butterflies that periodically appear in the room cause harm. In fact, things are eaten by larvae, which are laid by females that cannot fly. Therefore, do not think that by killing all the butterflies you have gotten rid of the pest. As soon as you notice a male, immediately look for the habitat of females and deposited larvae and begin radical actions to destroy the pest. If you still cannot find the caterpillars, use preventive methods:

• Before putting things in the closet, be sure to wash them - moths love dirty, unwashed clothes most of all.
• Ventilate the room more often, exerting a temperature effect on the larvae.
• If possible, disinfect clothes and places where they are stored with a quartz lamp.
• Use the above pest control methods for prevention.

general characteristics

Caterpillar and moth pupa.

The moth looks like a small brownish-yellow, gray or white butterfly with silvery pollen on its wings. It lives mainly in dark places inaccessible to sunlight. For example, in cabinets, pantries.

The larvae that hatch from the eggs prefer to be in the dark, where they are difficult to notice. It is the larvae that cause the most harm. They eat just enough to transform into a butterfly.

How to prevent moths from entering your home

To avoid getting an annoying pest, follow these simple tips to help keep your apartment safe:

• Inspect in detail the things and products brought into the apartment. Be sure to wash them if possible and air them on the balcony before putting them in the closet.
• Carefully inspect clothing before purchasing it in a store. Pay attention not only to the seams and pockets on the front side, but also to the back. Pay special attention to fur products.
• The presence of strong odors prevents the appearance of moths well. You can place orange peels around the perimeter of the cabinet and place an ampoule with essential oil.
• Buy a pest repeller from a specialized department. Place it on the door or side wall of the cabinet.
• When putting away winter clothes for the warm season in the closet, put cigarettes with a strong smell of tobacco in your pockets. If possible, wrap things in tracing paper or newspaper.
• High temperatures can kill pest larvae, as can low temperatures. Place small wardrobe items on a hot radiator and the insects will die.
• Wipe shelves and cabinet doors with a vinegar solution. The pungent smell of vinegar will repel moths.
• Clean your closet hygienically more often, rearrange things, and ventilate your closet.
• To prevent the appearance of kitchen moths, periodically do hygienic cleaning, sort out the cereals and store them in hermetically sealed containers.

The pest can seriously damage expensive clothes, furniture and carpets. Having seen a moth butterfly in your apartment, you need to immediately look for its habitat and get rid of it by all available means.

Adviсe

Knowing how to fight moths, every housewife can easily cope with pests and their larvae. To enhance the effect, you should use additional recommendations:

• Before sending a fur product, a brand new fur coat or a woolen sweater for storage, they are thoroughly cleaned and dried. All activities are carried out only in natural conditions.
• Covers are used especially for storing fur coats, fur products and wool items. Many companies are developing them. But Raptor cases are especially popular. They are impregnated with natural repellents and protective components. Additionally, dried aromatic plants, tampons and cotton pads treated with essential oils are placed in the cases. Before placing things in cases, you need to choose the right size.
• To prevent questions about how to destroy gray butterflies and their larvae from arising, it is necessary to periodically inspect all wardrobe items. If such measures are not carried out, then it is more difficult to notice the presence of parasites. By regularly cleaning your wardrobe or wardrobe from dust, using essential oils or spices, you can reduce the likelihood of pests. During cleaning, fur products are inspected. This allows you to quickly notice the presence of larvae or eggs.

• It is necessary to clean and shake out fur coats and woolen products 2-3 times a month. Since the larvae and eggs are not tightly attached to the villi, they are easy to remove. If you constantly wear fur products, then worms will not spoil them. Bald spots appear on fur coats if they are constantly hanging in the closet.
• Experts recommend drying and airing blankets, pillows and carpets. To treat the carpet against pests, it is necessary to use chemicals, since folk remedies are not intended to kill moths.
• If breeding grounds for larvae and eggs are found in the closet, then it is cleared of clothing items. To get rid of it, use household products and improvised substances. There are quite a few essential oils and extracts on store shelves that you can use.
• If folk remedies and recipes do not help, then insecticidal preparations and chemical compounds are used. Various components and substances are available for sale, which differ in composition, effect and useful life. Some drugs have a killing effect. These include aerosols and sprays. They are filled with insecticides and poisonous components. Before removing pests with their help, you need to read the manufacturers' recommendations and also study the instructions. It describes in detail the operating rules and precautions.
• To prevent the appearance of grain and barn pests, it is necessary to purchase cereals in small quantities. For purchases, you should choose trusted stores. For storage, use glass containers and sealed lids. Using such containers, it is easier to monitor the condition of cereals and flour.
• To prevent the appearance of pests in the apartment, regular wet cleaning is carried out. Extracts or vinegar are added to the water. After all, they have a unique aroma.

The range of folk remedies and drugs that are available to every housewife is huge. Each person can easily choose a substance that suits its properties and aromas.