Moths

About Moths

Moths are not particularly dangerous, but certain species can cause irreparable harm to your personal belongings, and their larvae may attack the food stored in your pantry. That combination makes them a genuinely frustrating household nuisance. The two groups most often found indoors are clothes moths, which target natural fibers, and pantry moths such as the Indian meal moth, which contaminate stored food. Catching the signs early is the key to stopping a small problem from becoming a full infestation.

Signs of a Moth Infestation

Moths often slip indoors in search of food or shelter, sometimes drawn by the light from your home, and once inside they can be stubborn to remove. Watch for adult moths or their larvae, webbing or cocoons on fabrics, and holes chewed in clothing or other textiles. In the kitchen and pantry, moths infest grains, cereals, and flour, and they can also turn up in pet food and birdseed. Elsewhere in the home, clothes moths may attack upholstery, rugs, and curtains. Any of these signs is a cue to act before the population grows.

Understanding Moths at Every Stage

Effective control means understanding both adult moths and their larvae. Clothes moth larvae can feed on almost anything made of natural fibers, with wool and cashmere being particular favorites, and because they tend to stay close to clothing they can be somewhat easier to pin down. Indian meal moth larvae often cause more harm by contaminating food than by eating it, and they frequently enter the home hidden in stored food products or from the outdoors. Knowing which species you are dealing with shapes the most effective treatment approach.

How to Keep Moths Away

Prevention is the best protection against a moth problem. Seal up holes and cracks in your foundation, keep screens in good repair on windows and doors, and vacuum and dust regularly to remove the food sources larvae rely on. Store dry goods like flour, beans, cereal, and pet food in sealed glass or plastic containers moths cannot penetrate, and use airtight storage for clothes, linens, and fabrics. Natural deterrents such as cedar chips or blocks and essential oils like lavender and peppermint can also help, since moths dislike the scent.

How KR Gets Rid of Moths

When you connect with a participating provider in our network, you are tapping into years of experience and proven treatment methods for moth control. After an initial inspection, your technician determines the types of moths present, how they are getting inside, and which food sources are keeping them there, then builds a customized treatment plan that factors in the safety of any pets or children in the home. Routine follow-up inspections keep the infestation from creeping back. Call (855) 560-1396 to schedule your inspection today.