As a nation we are forking out hundreds of pounds to clean out moth-infested homes. This is thought to be due to a sudden surge in the creatures due to our mild winter. Moth larvae feed on the fabrics hidden in homes and the damage these pests can cause to carpets, curtains and upholstery can be very costly.
Transgender moths are the latest weapons in the war to save our clothes. Scientists have found a way to force them out of the closet by making them sexually confused. New scientific trials conducted by David Cross a pest expert from Rentokil Pest Control, tested an alternative treatment by confusing the sex of moths.
Don't let moths ruin your clothes
“The trick is to lure male moths and cover them in pheromone "perfume". The scent signal delivers a message that says: "I am female". As a result they fail to lay eggs that would under normal circumstances hatch out into hungry larvae. By experimenting with their natural pheromones and limiting the reproduction cycle, we can effectively get moths out of the closet and prevent damage to clothes and furniture," said Cross.
Rentokil, has seen a 20% rise in the population invading UK households between December 2015 and March 2016 compared to last year. The weather has provided optimum conditions for the moths to flourish and ruin clothes and upholstery.
There are around 2,400 recorded moth species in the UK, according to
ukmoths.org.uk with most being harmless. However there are four common
moth species in particular, can cause problems. The treatment is particular to these species, so is not a danger to other moths.
Remain on moth alert and follow these tips from Rentokil for the best chance of getting rid of moths in your home:
- Search for the cause of the problem. It might be in a wardrobe, chest of drawers or cupboard.
- Start to get rid of the moths by using DIY moth traps to catch the adults, and vacuuming regularly in the affected area to remove all the larvae.
- Change vacuum bags often - to make sure you remove all larvae and eggs from your property.
- Wash all fabrics - soft furnishings, linens, curtains and towels in the affected area – moth larvae find these as tasty as clothes.
- Clean and wash down affected furniture - wardrobes, cupboards and drawers, especially cracks and crevices where eggs might be hiding.
- Clean suitcases - bags and containers as these might be hiding more eggs or larvae.
Let's hope that these findings provide a long-term solution to keeping clothes moths out of the closet.
