6 Things You Need to Do When You Find Moths at Home

Moths can be more than just an inconvenience in your home; they can cause damage to clothing, fabrics, and stored food. While some moths are harmless, the damage caused by clothing moths and pantry moths can be extensive if left unchecked. If you’ve discovered moths in your home, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent a full infestation.

In this guide, we’ll discuss 6 essential steps to take when you find moths at home. If you need professional help, call PPestControl at (866) 228-5691 for expert pest control services.

1. Identify the Type of Moth

Moths come in different varieties, and it’s important to determine which type of moth you’re dealing with to tailor your control efforts effectively. The two most common types of moths found in homes are clothes moths and pantry moths.

Moth Type	Characteristics	Damage Potential
Clothes Moths	Small, pale-colored, with golden or grayish wings	Damage to fabrics like wool, fur, and silk.
Pantry Moths	Small, brownish-gray, with white or silver markings on wings	Damage to dry food products like grains, flour, and cereals.

Identifying the moth will help you focus on the appropriate areas for inspection and treatment.

2. Inspect Areas for Moth Activity

Moths can be found in various parts of your home, depending on the type. Clothes moths tend to target closets and wardrobes, while pantry moths are often found in food storage areas. It’s important to conduct a thorough inspection of your home to locate the source of the infestation.

Areas to inspect for moths:

For Clothes Moths:
- Closets, drawers, and wardrobes
- Fabrics, rugs, and carpets, especially wool and silk
- Storage bins with old clothing or textiles
For Pantry Moths:
- Pantry shelves and cabinets
- Stored dry food products like grains, flour, and cereals
- Cracks or crevices in food storage areas

If you’re unable to locate the source, or if you suspect widespread activity, PPestControl can assist with a thorough inspection.

3. Clean and Discard Infested Items

Once you’ve identified the source of the moths, it’s time to clean and discard any infested items. Both clothes moths and pantry moths can lay eggs, and it’s important to remove any contaminated items to prevent the infestation from spreading.

Steps to clean and discard infested items:

For Clothes Moths:
- Wash or dry clean affected clothing and fabrics.
- Vacuum closets and drawers, paying attention to cracks and corners.
- Discard heavily infested items that cannot be cleaned, such as old wool clothing or rugs.
For Pantry Moths:
- Discard all infested food items.
- Clean pantry shelves thoroughly with soap and water, removing all crumbs and debris.
- Check sealed food containers for signs of contamination.

Proper cleaning is essential to prevent the moths from returning.

4. Use Moth Traps

Moth traps can be a useful tool in controlling moth populations, especially for clothes moths and pantry moths. These traps work by attracting the moths to a sticky surface, where they become trapped and unable to reproduce.

Types of moth traps:

Trap Type	How It Works
Clothes Moth Traps	Uses pheromones to attract male moths, trapping them before they can mate.
Pantry Moth Traps	Contains attractants to lure moths from food storage areas and trap them.

Moth traps help you monitor the moth population and reduce the number of breeding individuals, preventing a larger infestation.

5. Store Items Properly

Proper storage is key to preventing moth infestations in the future. Both clothes moths and pantry moths are attracted to certain materials, so it’s important to store items in a way that keeps them safe from moths.

Storage tips:

For Clothes Moths:
- Store clothing in airtight containers or bags to protect them from moths.
- Use cedar blocks or mothballs in closets and drawers to repel moths.
- Regularly inspect stored items, especially during seasonal changes.
For Pantry Moths:
- Store dry food in airtight containers to prevent moths from getting inside.
- Regularly check food products for signs of moth infestation.
- Clean pantry shelves frequently to keep moths from settling in.

By storing items properly, you minimize the risk of future infestations.

6. Call for Professional Help

If you’ve tried the above steps but continue to find moths in your home, it may be time to call in the professionals. PPestControl specializes in moth control and can provide a thorough inspection and treatment plan to eliminate both clothes and pantry moths. Professional pest control services are especially useful for larger infestations that are difficult to manage on your own.

Quick Checklist: 6 Things to Do When You Find Moths at Home

Identify the type of moth.
Inspect areas for moth activity.
Clean and discard infested items.
Use moth traps to monitor and reduce populations.
Store items properly to prevent future infestations.
Call for professional help if necessary.

Conclusion

Moths can cause significant damage to clothing, fabrics, and food if left untreated. By identifying the type of moth, inspecting your home for moth activity, cleaning and discarding infested items, and using moth traps, you can effectively manage a moth problem. Proper storage and preventive measures will help keep moths at bay in the future. If you’re dealing with a persistent infestation, PPestControl is here to help.

Call us today at (866) 228-5691 for expert moth control services.