How to get Rid of Moths

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How to Get Rid of Moths

Moths are pests that can eat your clothing, furniture, rugs, and many other household items.Follow these easy steps to get rid of moths.

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

how to get rid of moths
“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.

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.

PestTREATMENT TEMPATUREHOW LONG BEFORE THEY DIE
Ants120°F5 mins
Bed Bugs115°F7 mins
Cockroaches130°F7 mins
Dust Mites140°F8 mins
Fleas140°`F10 mins
Termites125°F10 mins
Scabies122°F10 mins
Lice130°F30 mins
Moths120°F30 mins
Carpet Beetles120°F30 mins
PestTREATMENT TEMPATUREHOW LONG BEFORE THEY DIE
Moths120°F30 mins

heat-lifestyle-01

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

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