[MTMARYT]

Hi can anyone advise on the best way to get rid of carpet moths permanently?

Is a mini smoke generator efective enough?


Thanks

Mary

[Amethyst]

I would have said not. These little blighters like dark, undisturbed places to live. In my experience that means under the carpet, under the skirting board and the like. The only 100% way to ensure they don't persist is to lift the carpet and underlay and burn or dispose of it and replace with synthetic carpet. Drastic! In practical terms you will need to roll the carpet back where-ever you suspect they have been muching, vac up any of the little critters you may find and then spray thoroughly getting right into the gaps between the skirting board and the floor. Check under the carpet and under the underlay as well. I have been to jobs where Rentokil had treated the affected rooms twice and still didn't cure the problem. The reason being they simply sprayed everything but didn't reach the hidden areas the moths like.

[Karl Wildey]

strapo used to do a anti moth spray, but then this was back in the 80's, so not sure if its still available.

[Gerry Styles]

Stapro insecticide is available from Bio Productions 01444 244000

[Steve Chapman]

ultra fresh from chemspec

steve

[The Great One]

Hi

Sadly I feel Ian's solution is the only cure, these things seem to be everywhere these days, they usually come out at around 9pm and like ian said they like dark places where humans are not. Under beds, wardrobes, skirtings etc.

Regards

Martin

[Neil Williams]

Twice I've had jobs that involved this pest, and on both occassions I followed the instructions to the letter (from 2 different major suppliers) and on both occassions the problem didn't go away.
Wool carpets, dark areas and old furniture produces the best results

[MTMARYT]

Thanks everyone for the advice

Mary

[master-clean]

You just need to vac them up regular, they only live where they are not disturbed like under furniture, move the furniture and vac regular, thats all thats needed.

[Jim_77]

I offer two services.

Full treatment involves treating with two products at the same time.  First an insecticide to kill adults & larvae, but this won't affect eggs or pupae.  Then it is followed up with a growth inhibitor which remains active for a few months in the carpet.  This is to break the life cycle, so that any remaining eggs or emerging adults can't go on the the next stage.  You need to get to every inch of carpet for this, so involves shifting all the big heavy furniture you'd normally leave in place when doing a normal clean.

"Containment" is just a standard clean with M-Power, but being much more thorough in the out-of-sight places that you normally wouldn't spend too long on.  I price it up a little more than a standard cleaning job to allow for the extra time and effort.

Most customers go for the containment, which suits me

[master-clean]

Dont use INSECTICIDE in peoples homes!

The damage is done by the larvael stage, always in dark un-disturbed areas. At this stage hot water extraction is sufficient to kill/remove the offending blighters - insecticides are not required.

Once the damage is done it is irreparable but prevention is a matter of thorough vacuum cleaning to remove eggs before they can hatch.. most commonly once the damage is noticed, all that remains of the insect is a large number of 'empty rice grains'. The adult moth often returns to the same site to lay its' eggs, so watch out for the next generation.

[Jim_77]

:

[AJB]

I was always taught that the adults return to the same place to reproduce.
Last year i likened this to salmon returning to spawn where they were born.
I got seriously flamed for saying this, but i still believe it to be true.
Thorough vacuuming throughout the months of May and June is all that is necessary to
break the cycle. if you stop the larvae reaching adulthood, the problem is solved.

[master-clean]

AJB I'm pleased to find someone in ageement.

I would like to add I'm uncomfortable with ametures (c/cers) using insecticides in peoples homes.

Did you know they are highly toxic nasty chemicals that CAN kill humans and pets.

I would not even let a professionaol pest controler use them in my home.

[Amethyst]

Been to a job this morning which I believe confirms my thoughts. Evidence of infestation on the edge of the carpet (invisible and unreachable from the top) and under the carpet and under the underlay. So just vaccing and or spraying from above not good enough. Needed to roll carpet back and treat accordingly.

[Karl Wildey]

strapo insecticide does not kill moths, you need a moth killer.

[Jim_77]

Wouldn't be much of an insecticide if it wasn't toxic would it : :

I think it's quite right what you say.  Idiots like you shouldn't be given insecticide in case they hurt someone

However, those with training in correct use of substances are perfectly capable of getting an effective job done, SAFELY.

 

[Amethyst]

Nice one Jim! 

[Gerry Styles]

strapo insecticide does not kill moths, you need a moth killer.

I have a packet in front of me and it does. I have used it and it works well

[Karl Wildey]

You are right, it does kill moths. Must have change format in last 20 years, maybe that why they don't do a moth killer now,

Jim, don't call me an idiot, it hurts my feelings.