MOTH CONTROL

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Effective moth control is a joint process and requires your co-operation to work. It relies on a combination of good housekeeping practices by you, and strategic use of chemicals by us. There are a few things that you MUST do before and after the visit to help make the treatment work effectively. Insecticide spraying will not work alone.

 

What will you need to do BEFORE we visit?

 

Check all carpets, clothes, curtains, bed linen, upholstery, and any other fabrics of natural fibre origin for signs of infestation (such as irregular patches or holes eaten away). Moths feed mainly upon a protein that is found in household dust and natural fibres such as wool, silk, cotton and feathers, Pay particular attention to items made from these fabrics. They are also much more likely to attack fabrics that are soiled with perspiration, urine, or food spillage. Any infested material, should, ideally be thrown away or dry-cleaned. Once back from the dry-cleaners, keep them in their plastic wrappers, to prevent re-infestation, and to protect them from our chemicals. All carpets should be thoroughly steam-cleaned and then vacuumed, with close attention being paid to the edges and corners where dust collects. Also vacuum underneath furniture, and inside cupboards or other areas that become very dusty. Ensure that you empty the vacuum cleaner and replace it with a new bag to help prevent the spread of eggs and larvae. Bed linen should also be bagged up and you should re-make beds with fresh linen after our visit. The chemicals we will use may stain delicate fabrics, so, after inspection, please bag up any delicate or valuable items. If infested items can’t be dry-cleaned they can be placed in the freezer for up to a week – this will kill any eggs or larvae in the fabric.

 

Large items of furniture must be positioned so that we can spray the carpet underneath. Our technician will NOT move any heavy items during the visit. Any fish tanks and any other pets must be removed from the room/property during treatment and remain out for three hours afterwards as the chemicals we use may be harmful to them.

 

What will happen DURING the visit?

 

A thorough inspection of your property will be carried out and during this inspection we will try to find out where the problem stems from – this will help us to control the current problem and help prevent future re-infestations.

 

The treatment will consist of two parts:

Firstly, a residual spray of any cracks and crevices that the moths may be hiding in, such as the edges of carpets and the insides of cupboards, with a chemical containing an insecticide and an insect growth regulator.

 

Secondly moth monitors will be placed around the property. These attract the adults with a pheremone, and allow you to see more easily if there is any re-infestation.

 

We will then contact you a month after the first treatment to book in the follow up visit which will be exactly the same as the first.

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What will you need to do AFTER the visit?

 

You MUST remain out of the treated areas for at least 3 hours afterwards. Do not vacuum the carpets for two weeks after the treatment, as this will remove any residues of the insecticide that is left. After this the carpets should be vacuumed thoroughly, with close attention being paid to the edges and corners where dust collects. Also vacuum underneath furniture, and inside cupboards or other areas that quickly become dusty. Vacuuming should then be carried out frequently to remove any moth eggs or larvae, and the dust that they may eat. Remember that moth larvae are much more likely to attack fabrics that are soiled or dirty. Always empty the vacuum cleaner as soon as you have finished.

 

You will also need to regularly inspect wool, cotton, silk and other natural fibres for signs of infestation.