Lepidoptera is the name of this series of insects but most people would probably recognize them by their familiar nickname of “moth”. This insect is seen in many places and is considered destructive especially when it comes into contact with clothes or fabrics.
Moths are among the most diverse and successful organisms on earth. In fact, scientists estimate there are more than 150,000 moth species worldwide and 60 of them live in Israel. Moths come in both bright colors and dazzling patterns or without any dominant colors at all. Species can take a myriad of shapes and can be as small as a pinhead to as large as an adult’s hand. Some moths don’t have mouths and cannot eat, living for only one week, with the singular purpose of mating!
Most moths are nocturnal animals and are attracted to light. The female moth may lay between 60 to 300 eggs anywhere. Some of these insects do not feed; however, the larvae live on dead organic materials such as wool, dried fruits and mushrooms and generally constitute the main menace in homes and warehouses.
The moth is commonly seen in residential areas and is usually apparent in wardrobes and in clothing warehouses. The female lays eggs in dark areas near the poles and larvae, after hatching, feed on fabrics and feathers and live in the weave of the fabrics that are in their environment.
Other moth species are detrimental especially for food kitchens and warehouses, as they tend to lay their eggs close to food items, especially grains. Many granaries have lost large quantities of expensive goods due to the massive hold of the grain moth.
MOTH CONTROL STRATEGIES:
PEST CONTROL OPERATIONS ARE COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS FOR THE PREVENTION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF MOTHS.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES THAT ARE RECOMMENDED:
- Measures to prevent the penetration of the moth is to include full sealing of the interiors; closing of holes around wardrobes and pantries; installing curtains and/or nets and making sure that food is covered securely. Also, when required, to disperse bait traps around the area
- It is important to identify the kind of moth. In some species of moths they can be controlled by using pheromone baits, while other species need to be sprayed pesticides directly.
- When there is a lesion in a closet, remove all clothes from the closet, pile them up and hang them in the sun.
- Moth control actions used as complementary prevention treatment are applied by spraying pesticides in advance in all storage area or clothing cupboards.
- Storerooms and closets packed with clothes should have pesticides applied directly as well as smoke flares in order to avoid the need for destroying the contents.
- After spraying, scattered pheromone traps should be utilized to capture adult moths before they can lay their eggs.