[clive ware]

Hi,
I have given probably 50 plus jobs to a local pest controller for people who have a moth infestation. I never hear back from the company and they must have earned thousands out of me! Does anyone know of a decent course I can go on to learn how to treat it myself. There seem to be loads of products on the internet but I would like to know I`m doing it correctly.
(Whilst writing this, I have just seen a little moth flying past my computer screen!!)

[Max Campbell]

I did a pesticide use course years ago, and a previous job involved selling insecticides, including the one we use for moth treatment - Ficam (which is the active ingredient bendiocarb). It is a residual insecticide, and the important thing is to spray all the areas usually covered by furniture - this both keeps the residue away from pets & kids, and treats the areas where the larvae are most likely to hatch & feed. Any residual insecticide will do it.

It's a useful add-on, as a business, especially because you see the damage when you move the furniture, which fits in nicely with treatment.

If you treat damaged areas, you're too late - the larvae do the damage, then pupate, hatch & fly away. I'm not aware of any insecticide which kills the eggs, so you're dependant on putting down stuff that will still be active when the last egg's hatched.

Killgerm (www.killgerm.com 01924 268 400) will supply chemicals (read the label, and note my comments and you'll not be far off) and may know of courses.

[Brendan (chem2clean)]

craftex have a moth treatment thats says it kills the eggs,expensive do,think its 100.00 pound for 5 litres

[maxcampbell]

That craftex stuff has a good story, but there's not much proper science there. I wouldn't consider it to be a "real" insecticide - essential oils?

[Brendan (chem2clean)]

max,i understand that moths basically stick to dark areas,under furniture etc,and mostly dont venture a foot and a half from the wall,not a exact science i know,the insecticide you use,do you spray all the carpet?

[Mike Gwilliam]

I really would'nt get involved.

I recently went to a tenancy for an estate agent I work for. They told me to treat a few carpets for their client who had a problem with moths.

As the story transpired, it became apparent the whole house was infested with moths....clothes, cupboards, furniture etc.
The whole house had to be emptied of furniture and the carpets removed and trashed.

This was one job I removed myself from

[maxcampbell]

Chem2clean

No we don't treat the whole area, just under furniture etc. you do need to move all the furniture.

[Brendan (chem2clean)]

Thanks max,how long do you need to keep pets and children out before they can use the room,its completely safe after it dries??

[Max Campbell]

You can never say any effective insecticide is completely "safe".

However, Ficam is a water-dispersable powder, which, once the water's evaporated off, reverts to a powder. Therefore there's no vapour. By treating only areas under furniture you minimise contact with the powder. It is sensible to keep pets out until it's dried. You are only using 5g of powder to 5l of water, and not soaking any area when spraying.

[Brendan (chem2clean)]

thanks max

[John Kelly]

Chemspec have a new insecticide. To be able to use it you have to do an online training course then answer a multiple choice exam. Cost is 25 quid. Once  you have passed the online exam you have fulfilled the legal requirement to apply the insecticide. Carpet moths are one of the easiest infestations to deal with. Contact us for details.

[Brendan (chem2clean)]

sounds good john,whats the cost per 5 litre

[clive ware]

Thanks for all your replies chaps - will definately look into it.

[maxcampbell]

Correction - Ficam is 15g per 5l, not 5g. It costs £150 per 500g, so 5l costs £4.50.

[wynne jones]

I'd just find someone who IS grateful to you for thinking of them.

In really bad cases I pass it on to a local pest guy. We have an informal arrangement including cross promotions. We are both happy.

I used to pass on large leather restoration work to a guy but after 5 jobs I hadn't even got a thank you. He didnt get any more and is no longer around now.