I had a "moth" problem (actually veriegated carpet beetles) a few years ago. I was lucky enough to find an exterminator with a background in entomology. He got rid of my problem and gave me some advice on preventing a recurrence. I have followed his recommendations and have had no additional problems.
For any item you feel could be harboring moths / carpet beetles begin by freezing for 3 days at the lowest temperature you can. This kills active larvae. After 3 days put the item in a room temperature environment for 3 days. This tricks any eggs present into hatching. They are reacting as though it is spring. Then return the item to the freezer for an additional 3 days to kill anything that has hatched. A good vacuuming before the first freeze may remove eggs, larvae or adults. You can protect the cloth with a piece of netting or screen wire.
Have a competent professional exterminator treat your house at least once per year. Be specific about what your concerns are relative to wool eating critters.
Aerosol insecticides are best used to beat them to death, according to my bug guy. He also says cedar is worthless, but I feel fresh cedar may fall into the same category as moth balls (see below). Older cedar is worthless.
An agricultural product such as Dursban will work, but must not be used in living areas.
My guy says moth balls are not effective. I do not totally agree. Where I had moth balls, I had no damage. I believe they will not enter an area where where there are moth balls, and if eggs hatch in an area with moth balls, the larvae become sick from the fumes. So, I believe moth balls are a deterrent, but do not get rid of an existing problem. A moth ball in the vacuum cleaner bag is not a bad idea.
I hope this helps.
Al
For any item you feel could be harboring moths / carpet beetles begin by freezing for 3 days at the lowest temperature you can. This kills active larvae. After 3 days put the item in a room temperature environment for 3 days. This tricks any eggs present into hatching. They are reacting as though it is spring. Then return the item to the freezer for an additional 3 days to kill anything that has hatched. A good vacuuming before the first freeze may remove eggs, larvae or adults. You can protect the cloth with a piece of netting or screen wire.
Have a competent professional exterminator treat your house at least once per year. Be specific about what your concerns are relative to wool eating critters.
Aerosol insecticides are best used to beat them to death, according to my bug guy. He also says cedar is worthless, but I feel fresh cedar may fall into the same category as moth balls (see below). Older cedar is worthless.
An agricultural product such as Dursban will work, but must not be used in living areas.
My guy says moth balls are not effective. I do not totally agree. Where I had moth balls, I had no damage. I believe they will not enter an area where where there are moth balls, and if eggs hatch in an area with moth balls, the larvae become sick from the fumes. So, I believe moth balls are a deterrent, but do not get rid of an existing problem. A moth ball in the vacuum cleaner bag is not a bad idea.
I hope this helps.
Al
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