Moths
Get rid of clothes moths and food moths
Discover effective methods for controlling clothes moths and food moths. Learn how to identify moths, use moth traps effectively, and get rid of moths sustainably with Thermo-bug®.
What are moths?
Moths are small butterflies that can cause great damage in households. The two most common types are clothes moths (Tineola bisselliella) and food moths, such as the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella). While clothes moths infest natural fibers such as wool, silk or fur and cause holes there, food moths contaminate supplies with their larvae and webs. An infestation is not only annoying, but can also pose health risks, especially from contaminated food.
How do moths spread?
Moths enter the household in various ways and spread there.
Introduction through purchases
Food moths can enter the house through infested products such as flour, nuts or dried fruit.
Open windows and doors
Adult moths fly into the house through open windows or doors, especially in the warmer months.
Hidden eggs in clothing
Clothes moths prefer to lay their eggs in dark, undisturbed areas of wardrobes.
Rapid reproduction
A female can lay up to 250 eggs, leading to rapid spread.
How to recognize a moth infestation?
A moth infestation can be identified by various signs.
Clothes moths
Holes in textiles
Small, often round holes in clothing made of natural fibers.
Webbing
Fine, white threads in or on clothing.
Larvae and pupae
Small, cream-colored larvae or cocoons in the folds of clothing.
Food moths
Clumped Food
Flour, cereals or nuts with fine webs or clumps.
Larvae in supplies
Small, white larvae in food or on packaging edges.
Flying moths
Small, brown moths flying around in the kitchen or pantry.
Unsure?
Do I have moths?
Are you unsure whether the damage or the insects you have seen are moths? Use our service: Upload a photo of your find and receive an expert assessment of the type of pest and the extent of the infestation. This allows you to act in a targeted and safe manner.
Get Pests Identified NowWhere do moths hide?
Moths prefer to seek out quiet and dark places to nest and reproduce.
Clothes moths
Wardrobes
Especially in rarely worn clothing made of wool or silk.
Carpets and upholstered furniture
Under carpets or in upholstered furniture with natural fibers.
Attics and storage rooms
Unattended storage rooms offer ideal conditions.
Food moths
Pantry cabinets
In open or poorly sealed food packaging.
Cracks and crevices
Dark corners and crevices in cabinets or shelves.
Behind drawers
Hidden areas that are rarely cleaned.
What are the effects of a moth infestation?
A moth infestation can have various negative consequences for the household and health.
Destruction of clothing
Clothes moth larvae eat unsightly holes in textiles.
Contamination of Food
Food moths contaminate supplies with larvae, webs and droppings, and can introduce fungi or mites.
Health risks
Moths are neither poisonous nor do they transmit diseases. However, the consumption of contaminated food can lead to gastrointestinal complaints or allergic reactions.
How to prevent a moth infestation?
Preventive measures can help to prevent or detect a moth infestation early.
Regular cleaning
Regularly clean and ventilate wardrobes and pantry cabinets.
Wash clothes
Wash and dry worn clothing thoroughly before storing.
Store food properly
Store dry food in airtight containers.
Use fragrances
Place lavender sachets, cedar wood or cloves in cabinets.
Install fly screens
Provide windows and doors with fly screens to prevent moths from entering.
When is a moth infestation reportable?
In private households, a moth infestation is generally not reportable. The situation is different in commercial establishments, especially in the food industry or in the textile trade. Here, an infestation can have consequences under hygiene law and should be reported to the responsible authorities. If you are unsure, it is advisable to contact the local health department or the food monitoring authority.
How to control moths?
Control depends on the extent of the infestation. Minor infestations can often be treated with home remedies, while severe or deep-seated infestations require professional methods.
Home remedies
Vinegar water
Clean cabinets and shelves with a mixture of water and vinegar.
Lavender and cedar wood
Deterrent effect on moths due to the intense smell.
Baking soda
Removes moisture from the air and creates an unfavorable climate for moths.
Baking powder trap
Use a mixture of flour and baking powder as a trap for food moths.
Professional control
Parasitic wasps
Use of beneficial insects that parasitize moth eggs and thus interrupt the life cycle.
Thermal methods
Use of heat for effective and environmentally friendly elimination of moths and their larvae.
Professional methods offer a high success rate and are particularly recommended for extensive infestations.
Effectively control moths with Thermo-bug®
The Thermo-bug® method offers an innovative and environmentally friendly method for controlling moth infestations. Through the targeted use of heat, moths are effectively eliminated in all their stages of development, without the use of chemicals.
Advantages of the Thermo-bug® method:
Chemical-free
No use of insecticides, therefore safe for humans and the environment.
Effective
Reliable elimination of moths in all stages of development.
Fast
Short treatment time with immediate effect.
Gentle
No damage to building structures or furnishings.
Sustainable
Reduces the likelihood of re-infestation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Clothes moths (Tineola bisselliella) mainly infest textiles made of animal fibers such as wool or silk. They are about 6–9 mm in size and have solid gold-yellow to light brown wings. Food moths, such as the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella), are slightly larger (11–14 mm) and have multicolored wings with patterns. They infest dry foods such as flour, nuts and dried fruit.
Moths themselves are not directly dangerous. However, their larvae can contaminate food with droppings and webs, which can lead to intolerances or allergic reactions. In addition, mold or mites can settle on the contaminants.
Moths can enter through open windows or doors or be introduced with infested food or clothing. Once in the house, they lay their eggs in suitable hiding places.
Regular cleaning, storing food in airtight containers and using natural repellents such as lavender or cedar wood can help prevent an infestation. In addition, windows and doors should be fitted with fly screens to make it more difficult for moths to enter.
Act now!
with Thermo-bug® against moths
A moth infestation can quickly become a plague and cause considerable damage to clothing and food. Do not wait until the problem gets worse. With Thermo-bug®, we offer you an effective, chemical-free and environmentally friendly solution for controlling moths in all stages of development. Our experts are at your side with advice and support to quickly rid your environment of moths again.
Use Thermo-bug® NowThermo-bug® can do more than just bed bugs!
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