Tuesday 27 May 2014

Everything You Need to Know About Clothes Moths

Do you have clothes moths multiplying in your wardrobe? If you do, it is vital to call on the services of Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions - the pest control experts of Colchester, Chelmsford, Witham, Braintree, Manningtree, Ipswich, Stowmarket and Felixstowe – before your moth problem spirals out of control.

We all cherish the clothes in our wardrobe, so it can be hugely upsetting to find moths have munched their way through some of our much-loved outfits and accessories. Clothes moths not only feed on wool fibres, but also on silks, cottons, linens, furs and rayons (usually blended with wool). In the worst cases they can cause hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds worth of damage. And, it’s not just clothes that are the target of these pests – clothes moths can also attack carpets, rugs, curtains and upholstery.

There is no doubt about it, it is devastating to put on a favourite jumper, T-shirt, suit, trousers, dress, skirt or scarf to find that clothes moths have feasted on the fabric, creating holes in the most obvious of places. Unfortunately, it isn’t the cheapest fabrics they go for. Moths have expensive taste and your favourite woollens, cashmere, silks and vintage clothing are, sadly, generally the ones that fall victim.

Once you have moths in your home, they can be very difficult to get rid of. While it is possible to repair some moth holes (by taking them to an experienced clothes menders), more damaged items, particularly woollens, can be impossible to mend. And if items have to be thrown away or replaced, this can prove extremely costly.

So, if you are worried about clothes moths, for complete peace of mind it is vital to call in the experts.  Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions are the pest control experts of Colchester and Ipswich and will help rid our home of clothes moths, their eggs and larvae. And, as an untreated clothes moth problem can prove expensive, we offer a cost effective solution, which could save you valuable money in the long run.

Pest Control Colchester – contact us now for effective pest solutions.

What do clothes moths look like?

Clothes moths are quite distinct from common swift moths or other types of UK moths which have different characteristics.

The most common types of clothes moths are the webbing clothes moth and the casemaking clothes moth, which are similar in size. The webbing moth is gold in colour and the casemaking moth is browner, with dark coloured spots on the wings; both have hairs on the top of their head.

The larvae of the casemaking clothes moth carry with them a silken case, which takes on the same colour as the clothes they have eaten. The webbing moth leaves patches of silk webbing, like cobwebs, and produce excrement which contain dye from the clothes they have been feeding on, making them hard to spot.

What environments do they like best?


Contrary to popular belief, and unlike other moths, such as the common swift moth, clothes moths are not attracted to the light. So they fester in folds, collars and cuffs of clothing; under furniture and between upholstery; in the dark crevices and corners of wardrobes, and in attics and cellars.

As these species are attracted to undisturbed places, it is often difficult to discover a clothes moth infestation until it is too late. One solution is to check your clothes regularly, including the ones that you have put away in storage, so you can take action at the earliest opportunity.

Do adult moths eat clothes and fabric?

No, it is not the adult clothes moths that are the offenders, but the moth larvae which are responsible for the destruction of clothes and fabric – and, depending on the conditions, they can stay in this state for a year.

How quickly can they multiply?

Although adult moths have a relatively short life-span of up to three weeks, the female moths of both species can lay up to 100 eggs in this time. These only take a few days to hatch, after which the larvae to start to feed.

Are all fabrics at risk?


Natural and blended fibres are most at risk, as moths tend to avoid fabrics, carpets and upholstery made entirely of synthetic fibres. Moths generally avoid synthetics, unless the fabric has lots of sweat, saliva or food stains. Keeping your clothes clean with regular dry cleaning or laundering will help deter moths.

Are they a pest all year round?

Yes, clothes moths are a persistent pest all year round, and this is partly down to central heating and milder winters.

Is it possible to get rid of them yourself?


There are all sorts of moth deterrents on the market, including chemical and natural varieties such as lavender bags and cedar balls, although there are limits to how effective these can be.

Regularly laundering your clothes and vacuuming in the crevices of wardrobes, under beds and along skirting boards can help. As can storing your woollens in the freezer over winter, hanging them outside when it is frosty, and keeping them in sealed plastic bags.

Other home solutions include moth traps, sprays, ultra violet light bulbs and moth strips. However, if you have a persistent problem, it is vital to call in the experts.

How Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions can help

If you are worried about moths in your home, call your friendly local pest control experts of Colchester and Ipswich – Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions – who will carry out a full survey to discover the source of the infestation and will treat the problem to prevent further costly damage.

We use the most environmentally friendly products and ask householders to vacate the property both during treatment, and for a couple of hours after it, to allow our insecticide sprays to dry.

Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions – Contact us now to address the problem of clothes moths at your home or business.

Tuesday 13 May 2014

Facts and Information about Bed Bugs

Do you have bed bugs in your home, hotel, guest house, hostel or B&B? For urgent pest control in the Manningtree and Ipswich areas, call on the services of Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions – or you could end up with a major problem on your hands.

Bed bugs feed on the blood of humans and their bites can cause adverse reactions such as allergies, rashes and psychological distress. Bed bug bites could damage the reputation of your establishment and your company may end up being ‘named and shamed’ with a bad review. So if you have bed bugs, it is vital to call Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions immediately, as we are experienced in this field and can rid your establishment of these persistent pests.

Whether you require pest control in the Manningtree and Ipswich areas, or further afield in Suffolk and Essex, we are the people to contact. We provide a friendly, local service at very competitive prices and, in addition to this, we can guarantee our work so you can rely on us for our service.

Pest Control Manningtree – Contact us now for fast and effective pest control services in Essex, and all areas of Suffolk.

Where are you most likely to find bed bugs?


Bed bugs are most associated with hotels, bed and breakfasts, and guest houses. However, they can also be found in privately owned homes, rented establishments, hospitals, residential homes, student accommodation and hostels, including homeless shelters. Not only can they be found in the creases and folds of mattresses and sofas, but in some cases, even on walls and furniture.

Are bed bugs on the rise and why?


Before DDT was banned in the UK in 1984, bed bugs were almost eradicated from homes in the western world. However, unfortunately the population has escalated dramatically in the last two decades. This is for several reasons but one of the main ones is international travel, as bed bugs can get to and from buildings on people, clothing and in bags and suitcases. A second is the rise in popularity of second hand furniture and other items, which again can transfer bed bugs from one place to another if they have come from a place that is already infested. Another is that these pests are becoming more resistant to popularly used insecticides, which now makes them harder to get rid of.

How long do they live?

The life span of a bed bug varies according to temperatures and how often they feed, but they can live many weeks, or even months. During their lifetime, a female can lay up to 500 eggs.

Can you get rid of them yourself?

Keeping premises clean and well vacuumed, including regular hot washing and tumble drying of fabrics, is a good way to keep the bed bug population down. Wrapping mattresses also helps.

However, bed bugs are hard to get rid of and tend to be resistant to over-the-counter pesticides.

So, for effective pest control in Manningtree, Ipswich, Colchester and Stowmarket, it is always best to call Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions who can eliminate the problem so you and your guests can sleep easy.

How do Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions tackle bed bugs?

Our first step is to complete a thorough review of the premises to check how extensive the problem is.

Carpets, bedding, clothing and infested furniture are thoroughly cleaned and washed and an insecticide applied. Up to three treatments, once a fortnight, are recommended to eradicate these pests.

Nine things to know about bed bugs:

  • These creatures are generally nocturnal, so humans won’t notice when they are feeding.
  • Bed bugs, their faeces and their sticky eggs can be found in their hundreds, or even thousands on furniture and upholstery of infested property.
  • Once they have fed on human blood, they can return to their host for another feeding by following a chemical trail.
  • They have a distinctive odour which has been likened to rotting fruit.
  • Their droppings, if wetted, look a bit like blood smears on fabric.
  • They feed every five to ten days.
  • Female bed bugs can lay up to five eggs a day.
  • Bed bugs can be eaten by cockroaches, ants and spiders.
  • They are a problem not just in the UK, but all over the world.

For prompt and discreet pest control in the Ipswich and Manningtree areas, click on the link below.

Pest Control Manningtree – Contact us now to tackle the problem of bed bugs at your home or business.

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