Moth Removal in The Sheffield Area

If you have an occasional problem with moths or a moth infestation The Pest Professionals in Sheffield can assist. We supply you with immediate help if you have a moth issue in two very simple and effective steps:

The no obligation phone consultation applies to both domestic and business customers in the Sheffield region. No moth job is too large or too small for us to look into. Where suitable we are able to advise on any immediate action required to protect your property or belongings prior to a visit. If a visit is needed we let you know if there will be a call out fee and advise on the likely costs of any moth treatment should it be required.

Moth Removal Services

The majority of moths in the UK (approx. 2,400 types) are harmless. However, a handful are viewed as pests due to the damage their larvae cause to materials, textiles and stored products. Unlike other pests, moths pose you no health risks. But they are a severe and costly pest in businesses where dried food produce or natural fibres play a significant part.

Once within your home or business, moths can severely damage natural fibres in carpets, clothes, fabrics, fur and even leather. Moth caterpillars cause the damage by eating the protein (keratin) found in natural materials like wool, cotton and silk.

On the one had the increased use of synthetic fibres has decreased moth problems in homes. But on the other a recent trend back towards the use of natural fibres in clothes, furniture and bedding means the dangers of moth damage are once more on the increase.

How To Eliminate Moths

Sensible preventative measures include thorough cleaning of all woollens, and keeping wools and furs in sealed polythene bags or closely wrapped in paper in tightly closed drawers or cupboards – if possible in a cool room. Clean and vacuum carpets regularly, paying special attention to the edges and especially underneath furniture.

Other measures you can take yourself include spraying affected woollen garments, fabrics, and carpets with an amateur use aerosol moth proofer, especially along seams, folds and into any gaps in floors or shelves where fluff gathers. Spray the under felt (not rubberised underlays) and the carpet backing.

In cases of severe infestation, the premises will need to be treated by a suitably qualified Pest Controller. Fumigation may suffice in a home environment. Heat treatment is also commonly used by businesses and where there are high-end fabrics, food stuffs and clothing. Here at Pest Professionals we are experts in heat treatment for moths in business premises – you should call us for more details.

COMMON MOTH PESTS IN THE UK

Brown House Moth

The commonest of the so-called clothes moths, with distinctive golden-bronze wings, flecked with black, folded flat along its back. It has the tendency to live in damper areas, so probably not in the airing cupboard. Eggs are laid in fabric on which grubs will feed. The larvae are creamy-white caterpillars with brown heads. They grow up to 15 to 25mm long, feeding on wool, hair, fur, feathers, cork or debris from food such as dried fruit, cereals, or decaying organic foods items, and are often found in old birds’ nests, from which they may enter buildings. The caterpillars spin silken cocoons in which they pupate. Only the larval stage feeds.

White-Shouldered House Moth

The white shouldered house moth is a common species closely related to the brown house moth. It is now found throughout the UK due to its close association with human environments, which produces plentiful food sources and the humidity it thrives on. It may be found in houses, outbuildings and factory environments where dried food sources such as grain maybe found. However, it is omnivorous, eating foodstuffs such as grain, bran, flour and other cereals, but also (but less commonly) feeding on wool and other animal based fabrics. It rarely eats clean foodstuffs, but prefers mouldy and/or long-standing food, and is therefore commoner where hygiene standards are lower. Bird nests are a particularly ideal environment and, if any are situated nearby, a risk for them going into the house.

Warehouse Moth

The Warehouse Moth is one of the most significant food storage pests in the UK, and will consume cereals, grain, vegetables, dried fruit, tobacco, nuts and chocolate. Its larva will also ruin food by excreting on it.

Common Clothes Moth

This is the most troublesome moth in the UK and the one you are most likely to find in the wardrobe. Infestations are becoming increasingly common. Moths are drawn in by perspiration odours, so clean clothes are less likely to get targeted.

Damage to garments and fabric, usually consisting of uneven holes eaten in fabrics, discarded feeding tubes and excreta from larvae, usually indicate an infestation. Larvae feed upon natural fibres at night.

Case-Bearing Clothes Moth

The adult case bearing moth is brownish and has feathered ends to its wings. Each wing is 4-7mm long in width. Like all house moths they present no direct health risks but can inflict notable damage, in its larval form, to natural product fibres and materials. It may also vary its diet to include synthetic materials if natural materials are not easily available.

Indian Meal Moth

If you find ‘maggots’ (larvae) with a brown head crawling on your kitchen walls and floor the most common culprit is the Indian Meal Moth. This is what we call an SPI pest (Stored Product Insect) and unlike textile moths, the larvae feed on food stuffs. Treatment involves finding the food source that’s attracting them (including checking under and around the back of kitchen units and appliances), removing it and then treating the whole area with a professional strength insecticide.

If you need sound advice or a rapid solution to your moth issue anywhere in Sheffield or the surrounding towns and villages – get in touch.