Where does the mole come from in the apartment and how to find it. How to find a mole: effective ways

12.06.2019

The moth is a keratophage insect (it feeds mainly on horny matter contained in woolen and fur products), but at the same time the pest does not disdain organic matter.

Gets into the apartment in various ways:

with poor-quality food products already infected with pest larvae (the moth especially loves cereals, dried fruits, flour and sugar);
through ventilation openings from neighbors;
together with clothes, in the folds of which there may be egg-laying;
on the fur of domestic animals;
with books from libraries.

No matter what cunning ways this nondescript butterfly entered your home, it is important what damage it can cause in the form of damaged carpets, fur coats, things made from expensive natural fabrics.

Most often, the following pests live in apartments:

Fur coat (woolen).
The color of this butterfly is gray-yellow with small black specks on the wings. Favorite place of settlement - wardrobes. To get to fur things, even polyethylene is able to gnaw through. In the absence of tasty clothes can feed on books, pillow feathers and felt.
Furniture.
The color of the wings is yellowish with a characteristic golden tint. Lives predominantly in upholstered furniture, fed by furniture fabric, but will never give up fur and wool.

The wings of this insect are painted in yellow tones with a purple tint. Dwells in dark wardrobes, where eats all clothes indiscriminately, leaving ugly holes all over the surface.

(grain, fruit).
A small butterfly of the moth family. The wings are gray speckled or brown striped. It does not just destroy food (cereals, legumes, tea, flour, nuts, sugar), but also infects food with its excrement, skin particles, caterpillar husks. Food after being damaged by moths is unfit for consumption and can cause severe intoxication in humans.

Still exists. She lives in bee hives and does a lot of harm, but has many healing properties.

IMPORTANT! An adult moth is not capable of causing damage. She does not have a mouth apparatus, she is generally deprived of the opportunity to eat and digest food. Its main task is to lay eggs, from which voracious caterpillars hatch, sweeping away everything in their path.

What a mole looks like, photo below:

Methods of dealing with household (clothes, fur coat, furniture) moth

What to do if a moth started up in the apartment? First of all, stop chasing the poor butterfly trying to swat it. Usually flying in daytime in the open space male, and the female is already somewhere calmly laying eggs, from which hungry larvae will hatch very soon.

IMPORTANT! If the moth has already settled down in your living space, then before starting a war with an annoying guest, thoroughly clean the apartment, ventilate and wash all cabinets and bedside tables well (the pest prefers dark and damp corners).

Clean out upholstered furniture, sort and shake all things, books (they may contain larvae and laid eggs), pillows, rugs, blankets. Take the carpets out into the air and beat them well. Take coats, fur coats and other outerwear to the dry cleaners.

How to get rid of moths in the apartment:

Garlic. Delicate butterflies cannot stand the strong garlic smell. It is enough to lay out the slices in wardrobes and bookcases, bedside tables to once and for all discourage the pest from settling in them.
orange peels. Orange essential oil is also not to the taste of moths. Having smelled the smell of citrus, the butterfly will never lay eggs near the source of the aroma.
Tansy. This poisonous odorous plant has long been famous for its ability to repel moths. Insects will not even fly close to the place where bunches of this nondescript-looking grass will be laid out.
Vinegar. The smell of vinegar is also unbearable for moths. To exclude the appearance of a pest in cabinets, it is advisable to wash the surfaces of the shelves with vinegar solution (after that, ventilate), and also grab the floors to enhance the effect.
Geranium (pelargonium). Few people know that it is beautiful ornamental plant not only pleases the eyes of everyone living in the house, but is also the enemy of moths.
In an apartment where pelargonium blooms luxuriantly on the windowsills (it is advisable to breed it in every room), the moth is unlikely to want to live and breed. geranium leaves emit ethereal vapors, the smell of which is unpleasant to many harmful insects.
Spices(cloves, allspice peas). The specific flavors of these spices are unacceptable to moths. To scare away the pest for a long time, it is necessary to spread bags filled with spices over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe apartment.
Lavender. Dry lavender herb has a delicate, persistent scent that is pleasant to humans, but repellent to insects. Bunches of grass, laid out in the corners of the room, will discourage the moth from choosing your apartment for settlement.
Laundry soap. The alkaline smell of soap is not very pleasant, especially if it is present in cabinets, soaking things with it.
But better later ventilate clothes than lose them forever. To drive the moth out of the apartment, pieces of soap are laid out in cabinets, pantries and closets.
Naphthalene, empty perfume bottles, placed in wardrobes, will also help to expel moths and keep clothes safe and sound.
Frost and sun. The moth tolerates very high and very low temperatures equally badly.
Newspapers. Printing ink is also indigestible to moths. save your winter shoes on natural fur, newspapers will help, which you need to crumple and push inside each boot or boot.

How to get rid of food (grain, fruit) moths?

Food moth is called differently: barn, grain, fruit, potato. But the point is not in the name, but in the result of its activity.

The result is spoiled food that must be thrown away immediately..

Some economical housewives try to save cereals by heating them in the oven at a temperature of 60 degrees. But it is better not to waste time and endanger your household.

The use of chemicals in this case is unacceptable, since we are talking not only about the destruction of the pest, but also about maintaining the health of all family members, so we will describe how to remove moths in the apartment in “grandmother's ways”:

contaminated products must be discarded, the surviving ones should be stored in jars with tight-fitting lids;
thoroughly wash all kitchen cabinets with soda solution;
limit moth access to water. An adult cannot eat, but can drink, this helps it reproduce successfully. Need to see everything water pipes and fix all problems;
clean all cracks with vinegar solution kitchen set, it is there that the pest lays eggs;
spread out in all corners of the kitchen, as well as in cabinets, bay leaves or walnut;
place inside each kitchen cabinet, as well as in jars with flour and cereals, chestnut fruits in shell (dried in advance), it is advisable to change the chestnuts from time to time;
arrange jars of black in the lockers allspice(peas);
keep the sink clean, wipe it dry after each wash;
the vent in the kitchen and bathroom must be tightened with a fine mesh to prevent neighbor moths from visiting.

The appearance of moths can be avoided if housing is kept in order, as well as properly stored clothes and food. But if, nevertheless, the insect managed to get into the house - do not despair, use the tips in this article on how to get rid of moths at home.

These simple ones will help you in the destruction uninvited guests and force them to continue to bypass your home.

Useful video

Prevention measures and tips for dealing with moths in the apartment:

This harmful insect has been annoying people for more than a dozen years, and not everyone knows how to remove moths. This small creature creates a lot of trouble and problems. But in order to expel the enemy from your home, you need to get to know him better - to find out the habits and fears of the pest.

There are many varieties of moths, but we are interested in how to get rid of domestic moths (food, furniture, clothes). If you find a flying moth, do not chase it, because it is just a harmless male. And at this time, the female lays silvery eggs somewhere in a dark corner, this is a hotbed of danger for your food and clothing.
To find out how to breed a mole, you need to familiarize yourself with its favorite habitats. Most often, the moth nest is located in dark, warm places where there is little fresh air. The most dangerous are the caterpillars, they then eat everything around. During the day, a small caterpillar can gnaw through a hole in your favorite coat or fur coat. Food products, especially cereals and dried fruits, also suffer.

Moth food how to get rid of

From food (grain) moth most often suffer dry food. Nests are located in stocks of flour, nuts, dried mushrooms, dried fruits and various cereals. Indeed, for such a moth, the most important thing is a warm place and lack of ventilation. First you need to sort through all the stocks and pour the products into tightly closed jars, or place them in plastic bags, and tie them well.
How to remove food moth if the products are badly damaged? You have found a moth nest in dry food and it is badly damaged - these foods must be thrown away immediately. Because eating contaminated supplies is very unhealthy. If the moth has not yet managed to settle in supplies, but is just starting to start there, such products should be carefully reviewed and the source of infection removed.
How to remove moths from cereals and dry foods. After you throw away the moth nest, in dry products it looks like lumps of cobwebs with larvae and caterpillars. Products (cereals, dried fruits, mushrooms and nuts) must be dried in microwave oven or oven. It is better to use an oven. The products are placed on a baking sheet and dried for 20 minutes at a temperature of 70 ° C with the door open. Then placed in a tightly closed container.
The next step in the question of how to get rid of moths in the kitchen is to disinfect the shelves in the closet where the infected products were located. To do this, you need to prepare a soapy solution, which thoroughly wash each shelf and cabinet doors. Then do the same operation, but with clean running water. After drying, treat each groove and slot with table vinegar or lemon juice. To do this, use an ordinary brush, shaving brush or kitchen sponge. Allow cabinets to dry thoroughly for 2-3 hours before filling.

To no longer wonder how to get rid of food moths, use the little secrets. Cereals and dry foods are best stored in glass or metal jars with tight-fitting lids. You can also lay out garlic cloves, orange peels or young walnut leaves on the shelves. To more effectively repel the pest, garlic cloves can be placed in a container with cereals and dry foods.
Moth in the kitchen how to get rid of with the help of traps. There are special traps for moths, they can be purchased at grocery stores and supermarkets. They look like a triangular box with a sticky substance inside. Such a trap works based on pheromones, which attract moths and prevent them from getting out into the wild. You need to install traps in food cabinets, and change them every two months. If you have exterminated all pests, it is better to leave the traps to avoid recurrence.
How to get rid of moths and prevent their appearance in the kitchen. Don't stock up on too many dry foods. If you buy cereals or flour in stores, place the food at home for several hours in the freezer. Or even store cereals in the refrigerator, so you will definitely get rid of the pest. Clean out your supply closets at least once a month.

How to remove a mole in an apartment

Unlike the kitchen moth, which starts up mainly in the warm season, the room moth lives in apartments. all year round. Finding the nest of such a moth is a difficult task. But anything is possible if you put in the effort and ingenuity. The moth devours everything in its path, and even if you have hidden your favorite things in synthetic fabric or plastic bags, this is not an obstacle for the moth, and it will easily gnaw its way to the delicacy.
To find out how to remove a mole in an apartment, you need to familiarize yourself with its diet. Moth prefers to devour: fur, felt, natural velvet, book bindings, wax, wool and even feathers. Caterpillars are very tenacious, they can live without food for a whole month. And they die only at temperatures below zero. Therefore, they can live in an apartment in a secluded dark corner for up to two years.

How to get rid of moths and their larvae? First you need to find the source of the infection - sort through all the things. If there are larvae on clothes, they must be shaken out of the window, and things should be hung on Fresh air and bright sun. Also, a sharp temperature drop kills harmful larvae. Put things in a plastic bag, and place in the freezer for 20 minutes, and then heat at room temperature, repeat the procedure, five times. If the moth wound up on leather, fur or woolen products, it can be removed only with the help of preparations based on dichlorvos. This is the only effective remedy.
The most common location for domestic moths is the closet. How to get rid of moths in the closet. For this, apply special means against the pest. Naphthalene is often used, but in addition to protecting against moths, it also harms a person. After all, it contains harmful components that lead to unpleasant diseases. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it. When buying a moth remedy, choose one that does not include naphthalene. The market is busy now modern means against moths, it can be tablets, briquettes or plates. They are placed in a closet and changed every six months.
In order not to wonder how to get rid of moths again, you need to prevent its appearance. All woolen items in the closet should be washed, and fur coats and fur coats should be treated with anti-molding agents. Also, fur products in the warm season should be stored in special cases, or wrapped thick paper impregnated with a moth remedy.
You need to protect not only products, but also the cabinet itself. To begin, do a deep cleaning, vacuum all the nooks and crannies in the closet, and wipe all the shelves with a vinegar-based solution (3 tablespoons table vinegar for 1 liter of water). And let it dry thoroughly, after which you can fill the closet with clean and processed clothes.
How to remove moths in the closet with folk remedies. Not everyone likes to use chemicals, because natural ingredients are much more beneficial for humans. Therefore, dried bouquets of geranium or lavender are placed in the closet. Some people make clove and lavender pillows and place them on the shelves in the closet. You can also use essential oils: orange, clove, lavender, fir or geranium. A piece of cotton wool or gauze is treated with oils and placed in a closet, so the moth does not come close to your things, and the smell will be wonderful.

How to remove moths in an apartment little secrets

Moth does not like cleanliness and fresh air, so the apartment should be ventilated and cleaned as often as possible. In addition to cabinets, moths can start up in carpets and upholstered furniture. The most effective way to kill moths is to vacuum carpets and furniture at least twice a month. Particular attention should be paid to cleaning skirting boards. Vacuum all the cracks thoroughly, especially in dark corners, because there are most often moth nests. Also, the larvae can be in the corners of windows or inside the ceiling.

The next step in the question of how to get rid of moths is mechanical restoration and ultraviolet irradiation. The moth does not tolerate noise and vibrations, therefore, the infected things are knocked out, combed and shaken off, thus, loosely attached larvae are removed. The bright rays of the sun inflict a lightning defeat on the moth, and within an hour it dies.
Moth is afraid of high and low temperatures. Therefore, to get rid of the larvae, it is enough to freeze or warm them. If the fabric is fading, you can put the item in the freezer, or use steam to kill the pest. But you need to remember that at low temperatures, the larvae and eggs die within a day.

How to get rid of domestic moths with chemicals

It is very difficult to get rid of moths without the use of chemicals. Now in supermarkets and shops you can find a lot of anti-moth products. There are plates, and tablets, and briquettes, and sprays, there are even anti-molding sections. Plates, briquettes and tablets are considered the most economical. They include an alloy of naphthalene and camphor. Such funds (plates, briquettes, tablets) are placed on the upper shelves of cabinets and bedside tables. Heavy vapors of camphor and naphthalene gradually sink down, thus preventing the reproduction of moths. Funds are valid for six months. This method is really effective, but in addition to destroying moths, it harms the human body. Before use, the tablet or plate must be wrapped in gauze.

How to remove moths with anti-moth sections. This method is the most convenient, but before using it, you need to carefully read the instructions. In a room of 15 m 2 there should be only one section. Also, you need to install it away from food, and children's hands. Before use, the protective tape is removed, and the section is placed in the upper corner of the cabinet. You can choose the aroma of such a section (lavender, mandarin, chamomile). If you have Small child, you can purchase a special section to protect children's clothing. One anti-moth section spreads vapors that are deadly for moths per 0.5 m3, and can serve for six months. Then the device should be replaced.
Applying any chemical agent, you need to read the instructions in detail to reduce the risk of falling harmful substances into your body.

How to remove a mole in an apartment using folk remedies

The use of naphthalene refers to folk remedies, our great-grandmothers also resorted to it. But how disappointed they would be when they found out that naphthalene scares away only adult moths, and larvae and caterpillars do not suffer a bit. Also, naphthalene produces saturated steam, from which cancer can develop, as using folk remedies, you need to remember that they scare away only new moths of animals, and people. Therefore, the use of such a tool is not recommended. Front. If you have larvae and caterpillars, only chemical agents will help.

Mole how to get rid of with the help of herbs and essential oils. As you know, the moth does not tolerate strong odors, therefore, natural lavender essential oil is used to scare it away. A piece of cotton wool or gauze is impregnated with this oil, and placed in a closet. You can also hang dry lavender branches wrapped in gauze.
In addition to lavender, moths do not tolerate other smells: garlic, orange, strawberry soap, kerosene and tobacco. Therefore, you can make small rag bags with these components, and put them on the shelves in the closet. Garlic is most commonly used to control grain moths. To do this, an unpeeled clove is placed in a container with cereals, so you will definitely get rid of moths once and for all.
How to get moth out with indoor plants. Coleus and fragrant geranium are very unpretentious helpers in the fight against moths. Growing such a plant is as easy as shelling pears, and it will bring a lot of benefits, because moths cannot stand its aroma. Since you won’t put the flowerpot in the closet, tear off a few leaves from the bush and lay them on the shelves, when the leaves dry, renew them.
If you use plants and essential oils to control moths, remember that they only repel moths, not kill their larvae and eggs.

In order to avoid the appearance of moths, you need to regularly ventilate the apartment. Deep clean at least once a month. Wipe walls, shelves, furniture, windows and chandeliers. Moths can land where you least expect to see them. For example, on the spine of a book, or in old trash hidden on the mezzanine. Therefore, the most main advice throw away everything unnecessary. Why keep things that have already outlived their own? After all, keeping the old trash, you risk paying with a hole in a new fur coat. Therefore, be realistic, and without a doubt say goodbye to junk.
Also stocking up on dry foods, do not shop for a year. Buy everything in moderation, and store your cereals in a glass or metal container with a tight-fitting lid. It is better not to use plastic bags for storage, because a pest can get into them very easily. In order not to think about how to remove moths from dry foods, buy flour and cereals good quality. Because cheap cereals contain dust, in which they say it’s easier than ever to get started. After purchasing dry foods, it is better to place them in the freezer for an hour, so you will avoid the appearance of moths.

Many people think that moths do not like dirty things, this is a colossal mistake. In dirty things, moths wind up faster, and consume such things with great appetite. Therefore, only clean, washed items should be in the closet. Note that moths never eat clothes that you often wear, their favorite delicacy is things hidden away.
Most interesting fact- the moth does not tolerate the aroma of a fresh newspaper. That is why our ancestors wrapped their woolen scarves and fur hats in newspapers. You can also lay out dry orange peels and horse chestnut kernels in the closet, their aroma repels moths very well.
Another effective tool kerosene is considered, but its smell can disable not only moths, but also humans. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it, although in the army this is how the pest is poisoned.
How to bring a mole into hard-to-reach places. Aerosols are used to prevent the appearance of moths in dark corners, on favorite clothes or on book spines. Before using them, read the instructions, and spray the product in the right places. Most often they are applied to furniture upholstery, a shelf with books, clothes, dark corners and chandeliers.
Also, do not forget about upholstered furniture, folding sofas, mezzanines and pantries. Moths can start up where there is dust and dirt. Therefore, carefully clean the premises, do not leave any places uncleaned, because it is in them that moths can start. Folding furniture should be vacuumed not only from above, but also inside, paying due attention to the corners.
In order not to worry about how to get rid of domestic moths, all things hidden in sofas, pantries or mezzanines should be packed. It is also better to immediately treat things with special anti-molding agents. If you are not a supporter of chemistry, use folk remedies. And wash the places themselves with soapy water, and ventilate. Then place things, and lay out the branches of lavender.
During cleaning, do not forget to vacuum the twisted carpets, because they most often contain a source of infection. Also ventilate winter clothes at least once a month, during the warm season. If you follow all the tips and keep your apartment clean, you can not think about how to get rid of moths, but also prevent their appearance.

Many blame the flying moth butterfly for all troubles. It is believed that she is the main pest, eats furs, wool and spoils her favorite things. But as it turned out - this is a false accusation. The moth is not to blame for anything, it does not feed on anything at all. Its main task is to lay eggs and die. This is where the problems begin, because the newly minted caterpillars are very voracious. And the mother mole is prudent, and lays harmful testicles in furs, carpets, wool, etc. So after birth, babies have something to eat.
Caterpillars can only do one thing - it is and is almost constantly. What is most interesting, synthetic fabrics are not absorbed by caterpillars, so they consume them faster and more than ordinary wool or fur. The caterpillar builds a cover for itself from the eaten wool, which it subsequently feeds on.

How to get rid of moths and prevent their occurrence. To do this, you need to find places where the moth lays its eggs. After all, they sometimes cause irreversible damage to your favorite things. As you know, moths cannot gnaw through paper or cardboard box. Therefore, pack clean things in such materials, and put lavender or other means in them.

Note how to get rid of moths

Recall the most important rules for the destruction of the pest. The moth does not like cleanliness, fresh air, and bright sunlight. Most often, nests are located in dark places (cabinets, shelves, corners). It is necessary to get rid of eggs and caterpillars, because the flying moth itself is harmless. The eggs are silvery white in color, and the caterpillars reach a height of one centimeter, and you can recognize them by their black head.
You can get rid of the moth family only with the help of chemicals, since folk remedies only scare away the moth. Anti-molding agents must be used very carefully, following the instructions. After removing the wrapper, tablets, plates and briquettes are best placed in a gauze bag, and only then sent to the top shelf.
In order not to worry about how to get rid of moths, keep your entire apartment clean. Do not allow the accumulation of dirt, dust and unnecessary things, because in addition to moths, other harmful and dangerous pets can also be found there. Having familiarized yourself with the types of domestic moths and methods of dealing with it, you can easily secure your home, clothes and food.

Moth larvae are pests that feed on natural fibers. They spoil clothes, fur and leave bald spots on the carpet. Moreover, moth butterflies do not take part in this feast, and indeed their entire adult life passes on an empty stomach. The fact is that they have an undeveloped oral apparatus. But they lay eggs, from which hungry offspring then hatch. Each such “child” leaves several holes or bald spots in the fur in the woolen product.

Interesting! The statement that females do not have wings is false. They have wings, but they hardly use them and wave them very rarely. Through our rooms only males fly.

The larva of the house moth damages not only our clothes. There are hundreds of species of moths that can live and bring offspring in a person's home. And each of them has its own taste preferences. The moth caterpillar eats not only woolen things, but also any organic products, for example:

flour
cereals,
dried fruits,
bread,
nuts,
pet food.

However, if we compare the types of caterpillars to an uninitiated person, they will seem “on the same face”, but an experienced entomologist will determine the difference.

Larvae, caterpillars have white or yellowish color, their length is approximately 1.5-2 cm. The larvae of any kind of moth have powerful jaws on a dark brown head. In almost all moth species, the offspring resemble worms, but this comparison is incorrect, since these insects have six pairs of meager limbs. Therefore, the name "caterpillar" is more suitable for her.

The moth is a nondescript gray butterfly that is mainly nocturnal. In nature, there are several hundred species of this insect. Some of them prefer to live in human habitation, turning into malicious pests. Their favorite food is furs, woolen products, as well as foodstuffs. To figure out how to deal with this insect, you need to know where the moth comes from, what types of this pest inhabit our houses and apartments, as well as reproduction features.

A few words about the insect

The moth belongs to the order of Lepidoptera (butterflies), which are characterized by small size and predominantly twilight lifestyle. Moth larvae can cause serious harm. Adult individuals, upon reaching puberty, perform only the function of reproduction (mating and laying eggs).

A distinctive feature of the moth is the absence of a proboscis. With the help of this organ, ordinary butterflies extract nectar hidden in the inflorescences of plants. Moth larvae are more primitive creatures and less whimsical about food. They have a well-developed mouth apparatus, which allows them to even gnaw plant seeds and fruit pits.

The absence of a proboscis does not interfere with the normal functioning of the insect. This is explained by the fact that the moth, while still in the caterpillar stage, consumes food with the help of its jaws and accumulates a supply of energy in the body for the future. Growing up, the insect not only loses the opportunity to eat, but also cannot digest food. The main task of an adult is to breed offspring.

Since the moth is capable of causing harm while in the caterpillar stage, it is pointless to fight adult insects. Before you notice the flying butterflies, their larvae will already have time to settle down in a dark secluded place and harm your belongings and food. And it won't be easy to find them.

How do moths reproduce

The development of moths, like butterflies, takes place in several stages:

Egg.
Larva (caterpillar).
Pupa.
adult butterfly.

The average lifespan of a butterfly is about 3 weeks. Some types of moths live only a few days. During this short period of time, the female manages to lay from 40 to 200 eggs, from which white translucent larvae hatch after a week. As soon as the caterpillar is born, it begins to actively feed and form a spindle-shaped cocoon from the surrounding nutrient medium. It is while in the larval stage that the moth causes the main damage. After a month and a half, the larva pupates, after which a butterfly emerges from the pupa. An adult individual literally from the first days of life begins to reproduce offspring: it lays eggs in dark secluded places and soon dies.

Thus, under the right conditions, the reproduction of moths is an ongoing process. The duration of the development cycle depends on the species of insect, habitat conditions and varies from 1 month to 2.5 years.

Varieties of domestic moth

As for the varieties of winged pests, most often clothes and food moths can be found in residential premises. It is worth noting that both species are similar in appearance, but have different gastronomic preferences, lead a different lifestyle and do not claim each other's territory. Simply put, if you notice a clothes moth in your home, then you don’t have to worry about the safety of cereal stocks.

Clothes and where does it come from

Moth in an apartment can spoil fabrics and materials of natural origin - wool, furs, cotton, linen. This type of moth is called wardrobe.

Where does this type of moth come from? Clothes pests can start regardless of the cleanliness and well-groomedness of the premises. It can be both shabby and fashionable apartments. Moreover, in the second case, the chances of the appearance of uninvited guests are much higher, since the owners of expensive apartments can afford to buy fur coats, clothes, furniture and carpets made from natural materials.

Clothes moths have the greatest appetite for long-wear items with the smell of sweat and particles of the epidermis. Moreover, in order to get to the favorite delicacy, the pest will not stop even in front of polyethylene and will gnaw through a plastic bag in no time.

How to recognize This kind of moth looks like a small butterfly up to 8 mm in size. Its wings are a solid golden beige color and fringed edges. Adults of this insect fly poorly and most often move curiously, and do it quite quickly.

Clothes moth can lay up to 200 eggs. The lifespan of a caterpillar is typically 70 to 200 days, depending on temperature. environment. In cold conditions and in the absence of food, the clothes moth larva can live up to 2 years. During the year, only one generation of such a moth is born, which is explained by the feeding conditions of the caterpillars and the duration of their development.

Finding out where the moth comes from in the house is not always possible. But if, after buying a woolen or fur item, you begin to notice flying malicious moths, this means that insect larvae have already lived in the product.

Where does moth come from? In addition to the human factor, the fault of the appearance of a pest in a dwelling may be a pet, which only plays the role vehicle when moving from the street to the house.

An open window or ventilation system can also contribute to the entry of moths into the dwelling.

food moth

If the situation is more or less clear regarding clothes moth, then where does the moth come from in the kitchen? V residential buildings, warehouses, shops and granaries prefers to settle food moth.

There are several types of such moths, and each of them causes irreparable harm to food. So, flour moth starts in cereals and flour, fruit moth - in dried fruits, spices, mushrooms, herbs and nuts. For ordinary person all varieties of food moths look the same - they are small gray butterflies with a dark pattern on the wings. It is by the dark pattern that the food moth is determined.

Where this pest comes from is not always possible to find out. But as a rule, infection with moth larvae occurs even during storage of products in food warehouses, where moths can freely lay eggs. Therefore, do not be surprised where the black moth comes from in the apartment, because you can bring the pest along with cereals bought in the store. Moreover, such a product will not be saved by hermetic factory packaging, since it was already infected at the time of storage in the warehouse. Of course, immediately after the purchase, there may be no worms in the package, but after a while you will begin to notice fluttering butterflies in the kitchen, and you will find moths and caterpillars in the package with cereals.

Based on the foregoing, it follows that in most cases the person himself brings the moth into the house.

Ways to deal with clothes moth

Fighting moth larvae is not an easy task, as the pest lays its eggs in the most secluded places. It is worth noting that it is much easier to remove clothes moth than food moth.

Methods for dealing with clothes moth are as follows:

inspection of things for the presence of eggs and larvae;
drying clothes and hats in the sun or washing at a temperature of 60 degrees;
spraying special aerosols in insect habitats in order to destroy larvae;
placement of pest repellents (lavender, essential oils, fumigators) among things, on shelves and cabinet walls.

How to get rid of food moth

To remove the food moth, you need to make a lot of effort.

First of all, you will have to throw out all the infected food products: cereals, flour, herbs, roots, etc.

Special aerosol products can be used against flying moths. Kitchen cabinets should be treated with vinegar solution or products intended for this purpose, which are sold in a hardware store.

After getting rid of moths and larvae, lavender sprigs or other special means that prevent the appearance of a pest can be laid out on the shelves as a prophylactic.

In addition, in order not to wonder in the future where the moth comes from, cereals brought from the store must be calcined in the microwave or oven. This procedure will help kill the eggs along with the larvae.

Moth larvae do a lot of harm. Voracious creatures feed on horn components. Nutrients are found in cereals, woolen villi of carpets and knitwear, natural fur. The appearance of moth larvae causes panic among hostesses.

It is important to know how to withdraw dangerous insects how to save things from destruction. To get rid of unpleasant "neighbors" will help folk methods and synthetic drugs. After the destruction of pests, you need to protect the apartment from new attacks.

What do moth larvae look like?

Scaled butterflies that the owners encountered in the room or in the kitchen are a dangerous bell. An abundance of food, a constant microclimate allow harmful insects to develop calmly. There is a high probability of active laying of eggs, the appearance of voracious larvae. One clutch contains 100 or more eggs, the extent of the damage is easy to imagine.

How to recognize:

For nutrition and growth of larvae, a favorable environment is needed. Main habitats: woolen carpets, natural fur, knitwear made of wool and wool mixture, felt, high-quality fabrics without a gram of synthetics;
larvae require a lot of food, actively gnaw holes, eat keratin fibers;
it is not difficult to recognize the larvae: the worm-shaped caterpillars of off-white color, with a slight yellowish tinge, have tiny legs;
the head of a growing insect is darker, if you look through a microscope, it is easy to notice powerful jaws;
growing insects rapidly increase in size: body length - from 3-4 to 6-7 mm and more;
larvae are reluctant to move in search of new areas with the most nutrients: often only the youngest individuals move;
in a small area there may be many eggs and 5-6 grown larvae. Pests actively gnaw holes, the result is often deplorable: things cannot be restored;
a characteristic feature of clothes, fur coats, carpet and furniture moths is a special “cover”, which the pest weaves from the remains of damaged material and its own silk-like secretions. With a protective cocoon, the larva moves along the pile and woolen threads. Furniture moth from waste products and remnants of upholstery suits a real "home". The food species of the pest also has a cap, but it is thinner;
growing individuals prefer shaded places, rarely crawl out into the light. For this reason, one of effective methods pest control and prevention method - roasting knitted things, fur hats, fur coats, carpets in the sun. A sunny, hot day is often used by housewives to prevent the appearance of moths, to destroy tiny pests hatched from eggs;
the optimum temperature for the development of voracious larvae is from +22 to +25 degrees. At indicators below + 13 ° C or above + 30 ° C, the growth of pests stops (larvae of all types of moths die), eggs do not develop. Under favorable conditions, the full development of the larva occurs in 90 days, if the temperature drops to 13 degrees, then the growth period is extended to 190 days, at +30 degrees the cycle is reduced to 60 days;
the food variety of the pest grows more actively thanks to more nutritious food. There are four molts during development;
the less often the hostess looks into the closet, the more free the moth feels. Stale things, dust, sweat stains, warm environment attract harmful insects.

Kinds

Several varieties of small flying pests live in a human dwelling. Each type of Lepidoptera butterflies adapted to life in certain conditions, picked up its own type of food. For this reason, you can meet voracious larvae and egg-laying not only in a wardrobe, inside an expensive fur coat or hat made of natural fur, but also in furniture upholstery, in bags with cereals, flour.

The main types of moths:

woolen;
fur coat;
food;
furniture;
grain;
cabbage;
rye.

The largest is the cabbage variety. Adult individuals living in the apartment are smaller. The color of the wings is different: in the woolly and fur coat moths they are light, of a yellowish hue, the food moth is darker - brownish-gray. Catching and destroying the clothes variety is much more difficult than: small size plus high movement speed interfere with the hostess.

How to get rid of moths and their larvae

The appearance of harmful butterflies and oviposition is a signal of the wrong actions of the hostess. Moth often flies into a dwelling from the entrance, through open windows, but does not always actively multiply. Reason - reliable protection apartments or houses from the invasion of harmful butterflies, the lack of favorable conditions for a calm, well-fed life of pests.

Common mistakes:

the hostess puts unwashed things in the closet that store stains and the smell of sweat;
fur products hang or lie on a shelf in tight plastic bags or tightly closed cases;
stocks of flour, cereals are collected in the apartment. Long-term storage, the musty smell of stale flour, semolina, millet is one of the reasons for the appearance of food moths;
rare cleaning in the closet: things are not shifted for two or three months, dust accumulates on the shelves and clothes;
insufficient attention when examining things that are a favorite food for tiny "caterpillars";
unwillingness to make minimal efforts to prevent the appearance of moths. Dry sprigs of wormwood, lavender or orange peels, laid out on the shelves of the closet, are a simple but effective way to scare off adult individuals that give numerous offspring.

The wool moth is tenacious, it tolerates temperature changes more steadfastly. If the pest wound up among warm things, it is difficult to get rid of it. With active damage to sweaters, knitted hats, scarves, mittens, you need to think carefully about whether to restore the corroded item or whether it is better to get rid of it. A few eggs left among the seams or in the folds are the impetus for the development of a new population.

chemicals

With a large accumulation of larvae, severe damage to things alone folk methods not enough. Disinsection specialists recommend the use of synthetic preparations for the treatment of infected areas. The hostess must remember: things are damaged not by adults, but by voracious larvae.

An important point: food, kitchen cabinets should not be sprayed with toxic aerosols. Spoiled cereals and flour will have to be thrown away: it is forbidden to use bulk products damaged by harmful insects. Cleaning in the kitchen is carried out using a soap and soda solution that has good disinfectant properties.

Effective sprays and aerosols for moth control:

Clean house.
Armol.
A.R.G.U.S.
Raptor.
Dichlorvos Neo.
Mosquitall.
Difox.
Extra Meat.
Tornado.

Important! Treatment of areas where larvae are detected or for prophylactic purposes is carried out in long-sleeved clothing, plastic transparent glasses, a respirator or a medical mask. After spraying toxic agents, a sharp "aroma" remains. Some drugs of the new generation have practically no smell. After a few hours or a couple of days, the unpleasant aroma will disappear. One or two treatments are enough to destroy eggs and larvae, the protective effect lasts up to six months.

Folk methods

Experienced housewives offer several proven methods of dealing with moths and larvae. Components for the manufacture of repellent compositions are cheap, and the effect is clearly visible.

Popular folk remedies:

dried orange or tangerine peels;
dry tobacco leaves;
essential oil of geranium, lavender, mint, eucalyptus;
bouquets of dried lavender flowers, wormwood leaves;
cedar bark or coniferous elixir for processing things;
toilet soap with coniferous aroma;
flowers and leaves of geranium.

Sharp natural aromas have a negative effect on adults, interfere with reproduction. In the absence of harmful butterflies, egg-laying and voracious larvae will also not be born.

Free moth remedies:

roasting carpets, knitwear, fur products in the sun;
freezing things at low temperatures;
treatment with water heated to 60-70 degrees.

Learn about the rules of first aid for and methods of further treatment.

About how to make mummifying poison for mice at home and how to use it is written on the page.

Prevention of the appearance

How to protect your home from moths: ten proven ways:

Ventilate the closet and apartment more often.
Store only clean items.
Take out knitted things, fur products, carpets made of natural materials in the sun or frost.
Never put hats, knitted sweaters, scarves, suits in plastic bags.
Always treat valuable furs with special aerosols that prevent the development of larvae.
Arrange bouquets of lavender, wormwood, tansy in a chest of drawers, closet. An excellent option is dry tangerine or orange peels. Antimol tablets give a good effect.
Put on shelves, sew strips of foam rubber soaked in eucalyptus, mint, tea tree oil to knitted and fur things. The smell of valuable esters repels harmful butterflies.
Regularly sort out cereals, pour flour into a new container, do not buy more than a monthly norm of stocks of bulk products.
When buying cereals in transparent bags, check the quality of the goods: lumps, a tiny cobweb, glued particles, small butterflies inside indicate food moth infection.
Keep order in the apartment, wipe the shelves of kitchen cabinets, prevent the accumulation of dust. Twice a month hang things on the balcony or in the yard so that they are well ventilated. It is important not only to hang sweaters or hats, but also to look at the lining, seams, folds for the presence of eggs and growing moths.

Harmful moth larvae often destroy valuable furs, favorite knitted items, sofa upholstery, and expensive carpets. It is easier to prevent a problem than to regret a fur coat, moth-eaten or holey jacket that cannot be restored. Natural components and synthetic preparations, plus regular cleaning in the closet, careful care of things minimize the harm from the activity of voracious larvae. You should not store cereals and flour in the apartment: buying as needed is an easy way to prevent the appearance of food moths.

Watch a video on how to recognize and look like a moth larva in the house:

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