Moths Exterminator - How To Identify & Get Rid Of Moths | Orkin (2024)

FAQs

How will an exterminator get rid of moths? ›

For large scale commercial accounts, fumigation is an effective option. At times, low-volume chemical treatments can also be effective. For the fabric moth pests, non-chemical methods e.g. vacuuming/sanitation, proper storage, and conventional materials e.g. liquid sprays and dusts are commonly used.

Air, heat, or freeze items you don't dry-clean or wash. A combination of sunlight and vigorously brushing the infested items can kill moth eggs and larvae. But this can be dirty work; expect to get grimy, and take care not to track eggs or larvae back into your home.

If you notice moths in your house and don't know where they are coming from, you may want to check your attic, garage, or pantry. Moths also sometimes live underneath carpets or inside of walls. If you see many small moths fluttering about, it might be time to go through your pantry goods.

Moths typically have two pairs of wings covered in scales, a coiled proboscis, and large compound eyes. Certain species of moths are brilliant with metallic colors while other are drab in browns or grey. Most indoor infesting moths are smaller than 2 cm wingspan and often are shades of grey or brown to reddish brown.

So, clothes moths may live one month, eggs may take less than ten days to hatch, larvae will reach maturity in about a month and the pupate stage will last about two to three weeks. So to get rid of a moth infestation, you would need to hammer all stages for at least four to five weeks to break the life cycle.

To kill moths, one option is to use pheromone moth traps, which attract and kill moths with a sticky substance they cannot escape from.

Moths, like many insects, simply can't stand the smell of some of the most aromatic herbs, like mint, lavender, bay leaves, cloves, rosemary, and thyme. Use this to your advantage to create natural moth repellents in your home.

DEEP CLEAN THE AREA

Remove everything from your wardrobe and drawers. Wash what can be washed and dry clean everything else. To be safe, this includes bedding, drapes and curtains which are in the same room. Vacuum your wardrobe, drawers, carpets, floors and all surrounding areas thoroughly.

According to the Natural History Museum, this process involves setting up a light source outside and providing a wide surface (usually a sheet) for moths and other flying insects to land on when it's dark at night. These light sheets attract certain insects that can then be observed up close.

A moth can hide in the daytime by crawling into the bark of a tree and closing its wings. It is too easy for birds to catch a moth in the light. Moths suffer enough with bats catching them in the night.

Why do moths suddenly appear? ›

The most common way to contract a moth infestation is by carrying infected items into the home. Food and clothing items that have larvae or eggs hiding within them can introduce a moth problem when you least expect it. Unsealed containers in our pantries are perfect targets for pantry months.

Leps analyzes your moth/butterfly photos to suggest possible IDs that can be later verified by the Fieldguide community. Leps arranges your observations into a dynamic checklist. When taxonomic treatments change, your records update automatically.

On average, moths can live anywhere from one to six months. It will all depend on the species of moth in question. For instance, the Common Brown House Moth can live anywhere from one to four months. However, silkworm moths only live a couple of weeks.

All species of moths tend to prefer quiet, dark, undisturbed places. In these peaceful nooks and crannies, they will lay eggs. These eggs can then hatch into larvae that eat dry goods or natural materials and fabrics. The most high-risk areas in homes are attics, pantries, closets, and garages.

Fumigation: Fumigating is highly effective at removing moths, but exterminators require people and animals to leave during the treatment. Fumigating for moths does not require tenting, so the cost is in line with other treatment types, at around $150 per treatment.

Moth infestations can quickly get out of hand, so it's vital to act promptly when you see the signs. As with all pest problems, there are DIY methods available, but the only way you can guarantee a moth-free home is to use the services of a pest control professional.

The average cost to exterminate moths costs $100 to $200. The average homeowner spends around $150 on a professional fumigation treatment of a kitchen or pantry for moth extermination using chemicals or heat treatment.