Indian Meal Moth in Springfield VA

dult Indian meal moths are 3/8 inch long and they have an elongated oval shaped body, The head of the larva is dark brown in color. These moths are stored grain pests. Larvae of the Indian meal moth feed on grains and grain products, dried fruits and nuts, The Indian meal moth is also a common pantry pest. The adults fly at night and are attracted to lights. Indianmeal moth larvae, even in small numbers, will damage food items by eating through them and spinning silk webs between damaged and undamaged particles of food.

Clothes Mothin Springfield VA

Clothes moths are small, 1/2-inch moths that are beige or buff-colored. These moths, do not like light and prefer a nice, dark closet which is why they are difficult to spot.
Adults do not feed so they cause no harm to fabrics. The larval stage of clothes moths are creamy-white caterpillars up to 1/2-inch long. The larvae feed within folds of fabric and other concealed areas. Development time before transforming into a moth varies greatly (from one month to as much as two years), depending on temperature, food availability,

Mediterranean Flour Moth in Springfield VA

Adults Mediterranean meal moths are 5/8 inch long and the front wings are pale gray with black waves. This moth is a significant flour pest and poses a problem in mills and warehouses. They infest seeds and nuts, flour based products and grains products. Mediterranean flour moths are found in grocery and drug stores where it can be found infesting food. They get into homes through infested food products

Why do I have moths in my home in Springfield VA?

Moth infestation begins with bringing in an infested product such as a food product , rug or clothing. Many moths are attracted to our homes for shelter and food. Moths are drawn to light sources. They can often fly in through an open window or door and lay eggs. Once those eggs hatch, moth larvae, depending on the species, may find fabrics, fur, paper, and other substances to eat. Moths are also attracted to damp, dark areas like your plumbing fixtures, under appliances, in cracks, and other isolated areas.
At Pest Chase we begin with identifying the type of moths, and then treating it accordingly.

How often should moth control treatment be done in Springfield VA?

Moth control treatment is a one time treatment to get rid of moths in your home. However, there will be preparation work that you will need to do in order to bring effective control.

Moth Treatment in Springfield VA

Pest Chase moth control includes spot treating areas of moth infestation with pesticide. We also place moth traps to lure and trap the adult moths.

Protecting your home from moths

The pesticides we apply are effective for upto 90 days. However as these are transportable insects, you sill need to be careful to not purchase the brand that had the infestation to begin with as you may end up bringing the pests in again.

Home owners guide on moth control in Springfield VA

How did I get moths in my home?

You most likely got Indian meal moths from an infested package of food. As long as the temperature within a grain bin or building where grain is stored remains above 50° F, the Indian meal moth can survive and reproduce. A typical life cycle (egg to adult) is completed in forth to fifty-five days. A potential for seven to nine generations per year exists; however, because of cool temperatures during the winter months fewer generations are usually completed. Under optimal conditions, the entire life cycle can be completed in approximately twenty-eight days.

How to get rid of Indian meal moths?

The only way to control Indian meal moths is to locate infested materials and clean them out. A thorough cleaning is also needed to get rid of errant caterpillars, cocoons, and food sources. Preventing them can be difficult since they are more often than not brought in unknowingly in an infested package of food. Indian meal moth larvae feed on grain and stored food, not on fabric. So, make sure any uninfected foods in your pantry stay that way by keeping them in airtight containers. Adult Indian meal moths are attracted to light and may fly away from the pantry into bedrooms, where they can be mistaken for clothes moths. So, if you see moths, don’t assume what kind they are from where you are seeing them.

How did clothes moths enter my home?

Clothes moths are attracted to soiled, dirty clothing and the pungent sweaty smells they can emit. They are particularly attracted to dark, warm, humid spaces, and dirty clothing (especially unwashed items that may have lingering body oils or food residue). Making sure your dirty laundry is in a laundry basket until laundry day will help but throwing a load into the washing machine the moment it’s full will also help. If you aren’t sure if the holes are moth-caused, one way to tell is that some larvae will leave behind a web that resembles dried snot.

How to get rid of clothes moths?

Do a thorough inspection to identify the infested products and discard them or wash them in high heat setting. The primary source may be a wool scarf or fur/felt hat at the back of a closet, an old rug stored in the basement, or an abandoned bird or squirrel nest up in the attic.

Moth Control

Moth Extermination in Springfield VA