Record number of calls to deal with moth problems

Managing Director of Cleankill (Environmental Services) Ltd Paul Bates said the company has had more calls about moths in the last few weeks than ever before.

“I’ve been working in the pest control industry for nearly three decades and the current levels of moth activity are highly unusual. We are getting calls from offices who are finding them in common areas and also homeowners who are worried about damage to clothing and carpets’. Paul continued ‘Part of the problem in recent years has been a combination of the withdrawal of some of the most effective insecticides, such as Dichlorvos, and the return to fashion of many natural fibre clothes, such as Cashmere, which has also seen a dramatic reduction in cost to the consumer – Cashmere is a favourite foodstuff of clothes moth’

People can identify adult textile moths – which look like the stored product moths that are found in dry foodstuffs in kitchens – as will often be seen running rather than flying. They are unlike the common garden moths that will come in and fly towards lights and windows. Their favourite diet is the detritus found at the bottom of birds’ nests – a rich source of protein – but they are equally at home in the bottom of a chest of drawers, the darker, warmer and dirtier the better!

Paul advises people to be careful when storing winter woollies away for the summer, when it arrives. Clothes should be hot washed or dry cleaned prior to being put away and clothes, drawers and wardrobes should be checked before winter storage.

He explains: “There are good quality bags available from department stores such as John Lewis which clothing is put into – the air is then sucked out using a standard vacuum cleaner hose – these bags give a good level of protection against moth infestation. If bagging is not possible then clothing in drawers should be turned over and moved at least once a month as the moths dislike disturbance and light.”

If all preventive measures have failed, then a company such as Cleankill can apply insecticidal treatments to drawers, wardrobes roof spaces and other affected areas. Textile moths are often associated with birds’ nests in loft spaces where the damage causing larvae will feed on bird feathers – from here they will quietly spread unnoticed to other areas of the house. If the textiles are of a larger nature, or size such as large valuable carpets, then Cleankill will use the Zero2 system of oxygen depletion. This involves putting the objects in a sealed container bag and removing all oxygen – normally for a period of around three weeks – which will destroy all stages of the insect.”

Treatment costs will start in the region of £75 + VAT for one room or £120 + VAT for a two bedroom flat.

Cleankill is a specialist provider of pest control services to retail, commercial and industrial properties throughout the UK. The company deals with ‘distress’ pests such as wasps and fleas, as well as offering preventative maintenance against public health pests such as mice and rats. Cleankill can also clear and proof buildings against pest birds.

Cleankill has been solving pest problems for commercial and domestic customers for more than 15 years. Using the most up-to-date pest-control techniques and technology, the company keeps its customers pest free and makes sure it is at the forefront of the industry when it comes to the use of pesticides and non-toxic pest control methodology.

As an Investor in People, all Cleankill’s staff are highly trained and offer an exceptionally fast and efficient level of service.  The company is a proud member of the British Pest Control Association, as well as being approved to ISO9001 and ISO14001. Cleankill is also fully accredited to the Safecontractor, Exor, Constructionline and Achilles Health and Safety Accreditation Scheme and aims to be recognised as a market leader for innovation and new pest control techniques. For further information go to www.cleankill.co.uk or call 0800 056 5477. You can follow Cleankill on Twitter or Facebook

ENDS

For further information or interview requests, contact Suzi Christie at Blueberry PR on 01435 830031 or e-mail suzi@blueberry-pr.co.uk

About Cleankill Environmental Services

Cleankill has been solving pest problems for commercial and domestic customers for more than 15 years. Using the most up to date pest control techniques and technology we keep our customers pest free and keep our staff at the forefront in the use of pesticides and non-toxic pest control methodology.

Cleankill staff receive regular and appropriate pest control skills training. Cleankill are proud members of the British Pest Control Association, are approved to ISO9001 and ISO14001, and are also fully accredited to the Safecontractor, Exor, Constructionline and Achilles Health and Safety Accreditation Scheme. We are also Investors in People.