Keeping Moth Numbers
Under control
Moths are one of the insect pests which can do damage both inside and outside of the home, although different species are generally responsible for different types of damage. In this article, we will take a look at why the integrated pest management strategy is so important when it comes to controlling pest populations, and ways in which you can keep moth numbers both inside and outside your home from growing into infestations.
Integrated pest management means following some basic steps to control pest numbers, depending on what stage your problem is at. The approach recognizes the fact that for years humans have waged a chemical warfare on almost all varieties of pests, and have done so unsuccessfully. Not only do the pests seem to adapt and survive, but the chemicals end up doing more damage to helpful species and even to humans than they do to pest numbers.
Part of the integrated pest management formula is prevention; that is, enacting measures which will keep the numbers of insects and other animals we identify as pests down. Now that you are familiar with the concept (and prevention is often much easier and cheaper than gaining control of a problem that is already out of hand) let’s take a look at some ways you can keep moth numbers under control.
Inside moths
There are actually two types of moths which may cause problems inside your house, the mealie moth and the clothes moth.
Clothes moth
In order to control the population of clothes moths, make sure that they do not get inside to lay their eggs. You can do so by ensuring that your windows and doors are covered with screens, and that these screens are shut behind people entering and leaving. Also, keep in mind that clothes moths prefer dirty and/or damp clothes piles to lay their eggs; doing laundry regularly and not keeping dirty piles of clothes around will help control moth numbers.
Mealie moth
This species of moth prefers human food to human clothing. Again, you need to prevent them from getting inside using the same methods listed above. Also, make sure that the foods that meal moths prefer (dry goods such as bran, flour, pet food, dried fruit) are contained within well sealed compartments after they are opened. Leaving them in the bag will mean allowing moths access to a buffet!
Outside moths
Trees, particularly fruit trees, are the special victims of outdoor pest moths. Controlling the numbers of these moths is much more difficult than indoor moths due to the freedom they have outside, but taking care of your own trees may save them from the ravaging your neighbor’s receive. Make sure to cut down or burn off any nests that form where caterpillars can be seen. In addition, if you have an infestation one year, pick all of the fruit off of the tree as soon as it appears. This denies the caterpillars a food source, and you will see a drop in numbers the next year.