Overview
Moths go through metamorphosis. The moth goes through four lifestages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The different species of clothes-eating moths are difficult to tell apart, but there’s no real need to identify the particular species, since the control measures will be identical.
Identify
Life cycle
“Parasitism in Gypsy moths” by Bugboy52.40 is licensed under CC BY 3.0
Life Cycle
Moths go through metamorphosis. The moth goes through four lifestages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The different species of clothes-eating moths are difficult to tell apart, but there’s no real need to identify the particular species, since the control measures will be identical.
Eggs
Larvae
Pupa
Adult
Where Moths Live
Moths usually like warm dark areas. Behind sofas, in rugs, and in closets where fabric, fur, wool and feathers are stored are considered prime living spaces for moths.
How Moths Cause Harm
We usually see moths eating holes in clothing, blankets, or rugs, but they will also damage upholstery and other natural materials throughout the house. However, although moths eat fabric materials, they are actually seeking out substances on the fabric, such as sweat stains, dirt, or food stains/drips. Wool is especially at risk of moth damage.
How to Get Rid of Moths
Follow this step-by-step approach to getting rid of moths out of your clothes, blankets, rugs, carpets, furniture, and other fabrics.
| Pest | TREATMENT TEMPATURE | HOW LONG BEFORE THEY DIE |
|---|---|---|
| Ants | 120°F | 5 mins |
| Bed Bugs | 115°F | 7 mins |
| Cockroaches | 130°F | 7 mins |
| Dust Mites | 140°F | 8 mins |
| Fleas | 140°`F | 10 mins |
| Termites | 125°F | 10 mins |
| Scabies | 122°F | 10 mins |
| Lice | 130°F | 30 mins |
| Moths | 120°F | 30 mins |
| Carpet Beetles | 120°F | 30 mins |
| Pest | TREATMENT TEMPATURE | HOW LONG BEFORE THEY DIE |
|---|---|---|
| Moths | 120°F | 30 mins |
Step 1-Heat Treat
Step 1: Use heat to quickly get rid of moths. Adult moths, pupas, larvae and eggs are easily destroyed with the use of a ZappBug heating unit. Place the infested (or possibily infested) items into the unit, and once the temperature probe reads 120 degrees Fahrenheit just heat treat for an hour.
- Moths die at 120 degrees in 30 minutes, but we recommend treating for an hour to be sure all moths are dead.
- Delicate clothing that can’t be washed can be treated in ZappBug units
- Makes it easy to treat rugs and other house hold items
- Our larger ZappBug Room allows you to heat treat larger furniture, such as couches and bed
Step 2- Vacuum and Clean
Step 3 - Wash
Step 4 - Diatomaceous Earth
Step 5 - Moth Traps
HEAT TREAT TO GET RID OF Moths
Learn more about how heat treatment works by visiting our products page and viewing our treatment video. You will see how easy it is to use our ZappBug heating units, and why heat treatment is the best way to get rid of Moths quickly and effectively.
Prevent Moth Infestations
Moth infestations are easier to prevent than to control.
- Heat treat any old clothing or furniture purchased at yard sales.
- Keep your furniture and clothes clean
- Vacuum frequently to remove accumulations of lint, pet and human hair, dirt, and other organic debris
- Since moths like dark places, it helps to move your furniture around occasionally
- Store clothing properly. Clothes you don’t wear often, especially wool winter clothing, should be stored in an airtight place.
- Protect wool coats and sweaters with plastic bags.
- Store winter clothing in plastic storage bags, plastic bins, or airtight metal containers