Types of MothThere are a range of moths that can be found inside and outside of the home. If you have any trouble identifying your moth from the information given do not hesitate to call us on (01323) 846 845
....................................................................................................................................................................................... | Webbing Clothes MothDescription - The Common Webbing Clothes Moth (Tineola Bisselliella) has a 10-15mm wingspan; upper forewing: pale shiny gold colour with reddish tufts of hairs on the head.
Distribution - The Clothes Moth is common throughout the UK attacking natural fibres, for example wool, fur, skins and leather.
Life Cycle - Eggs are laid amongst fibres or scattered at random. Each female lays up to 160 eggs during a period of 2-3 weeks. During the summer these hatch in 4-10 days to give an active, white translucent larva. This then grows up to 10mm in length and the head becomes darker in colour. Feeding tunnels may be constructed from silk and there are at least 5 moults. Larvae construct a tough cocoon in which they moult to produce a pupa up to 7mm long. The full cycle takes between 88-254 days depending upon the conditions.
click here for a list of products for dealing with Clothes Moth
....................................................................................................................................................................................... | Case Bearing (Carpet) MothDescription - The Case Bearing (Carpet) Moth (Tinea Pellionella) is approximately 5mm in length. Forewings are yellowish brown, and there are usually three distinct, dark dots on the outer third of each wing. Hind wings are smaller, lighter and fringed with hair and scales. Eggs are whitish, and larvae are opaque-white with brown heads.
Distribution - Like the Common Clothes Moth the Case Bearing Moth is widely spread across the UK.
Life-Cycle - The Case Bearing Moth rarely flies to lights at night and instead prefers the darkness, such as a closet or storage chest. Any Moths fluttering around the house are probably males, because females travel by running, hopping or trying to hide in the folds of clothing. The female lays 100-150 white eggs on the surface of the fabric which will hatch into larvae in approximately 5 days. The period of larval development is usually 6 weeks, during which time the larvae actively feed on the fabric, however this can take considerably longer under cooler conditions.
click here for a list of products for dealing with Case Bearing Moth
.......................................................................................................................................................................................
| Food Product MothThe Indian Meal Moth (Plodia Interpunctella) is the most common food product moth.
Description - 10-15mm wingspan; upper forewing: inner third, pale yellowish buff; the remainder of the wing is bronze-coloured.
Distribution - A cosmopolitan species which originated in South America and is now established in milder areas of the UK. It will survive all year round in heated premises.
Life-Cycle - Females produce up to 500 greyish-white eggs which hatch in 1-18 days depending on the conditions. The larvae migrate over the foodstuff, covering it with silk as they move. Their colour depends upon the type of food: they are generally dirty-white but may be tinged pinkish-brown or green. After 4-7 moults the larvae are full grown and have attained a length of 12mm.
In this species, food and environmental conditions have a dramatic influence on the larval phase, so that development may take 13-288 days. When mature the larvae leave the foodstuff and spin thick white cocoons, in which the 7mm long pupae develop. After a pupation period of 12-43 days, the adults emerge.
click here for a list of products for dealing with Food Product Moth
....................................................................................................................................................................................... | Brown House MothDescription - The Common Brown House Moth (Hofmannophila Pseudospretella) has a wingspan of 15-25mm; upper forewing: dark buff-brown with black-brown spots.
Distribution - This species of house moth is widespread throughout the UK on materials of animal or vegetable origin.
Life-Cycle - The Brown House Moth lays up to 660 eggs, preferring rough open surfaces. Brown House Moth larvae are glossy white and reach a length of 16mm. Larvae generally diapause for varying lengths of time, depending upon the conditions under which they have developed. The moth burrows into the food, forming a silk tunnel. Pupal cocoons are rough and incorporate foodstuff and debris. Development takes as long as 12 months and there is usually only one generation per year.
click here for a list of products for dealing with Brown House Moth
|
|
