When the lights are on, the moths come out. At least that’s how it feels here in Sacramento. The minute that a light comes on there seem to be dozens, if not more, moths that are flying around and getting in your space. While they are not the most harmful pests that you could have surrounding your home, they’re certainly not one that you’re happy to have. In today’s blog post we’re going to talk about moths and some of the ways that you can keep them from becoming a problem at your home.
What are Moths?
Most people are familiar with these insects, but if you have been fortunate enough to go your life without seeing on, these insects are very similar to butterflies. There are roughly 16,000 different species of moths in the world, and while most of them are nocturnal, there are still a few that come out during the day.
Moths are nocturnal insects that are related to butterflies, but the main difference is that butterflies have antennas while moths have feathery balls or clubs at the top of their head. One thing that is very similar between moths and butterflies is the life cycle that they go through.
The Life Cycle of a Moth
Similar to that of a butterfly, moths will start out as a caterpillar. They too will build a cocoon and emerge from it when they are adult moths. Some moths will bury their cocoon into the ground and emerge as an adult moth. Though the life cycle is very similar to that of a butterfly, there are still quite a few things that differentiate the two.
Moths as a Pest
Though they are relatively harmless pests, moths are known to many as being a pest rather than a beautiful insect — as the butterfly is. Moths are known for flocking to bright lights during the night, eating through fabrics, and doing damage to forests and farms. Whether it’s your home that has an excessive amount of moths or your farm, a professional can help you safely remove them so that there is minimal damage done.
These pests are not something that you have to worry about hurting you or biting you, and they haven’t been known for carrying diseases. So if you do see that there is an infestation of moths around you, there’s no need to run or be concerned for your safety. A simple swat will get the moth away from you.
Eaten By Predators
Whether you’re living out in the open country of California, or you live in the big city of Sacramento, the good news is that moths are eaten by nocturnal predators. From birds and owls to other big insects, moths are a popular food group for animals and insects alike. Aside from these outdoor animals, house pets are also known for eating moths. If you see your pet pawing at a moth, there’s nothing that you need to worry about. They’re just getting a little extra fiber.
Ways to Minimize Moths
There are a few different ways that you can minimize the number of moths that are flying around at your place, but the results will vary based on how many moths you’re dealing with. One of the easiest ways to minimize moth numbers is to reduce the light sources that are outside. Moths are very attracted to bright lights, whether they’re right outside for them to fly up to or they’re coming from inside the house moths will find a light to flock to. By having minimal light sources for moths to fly to, you will immediately reduce the number of moths you see.
If minimizing light sources isn’t an option that you have, then contacting a professional pest management company will be the next best thing that you can do. They will be able to provide you with a long-term solution to the number of moths that you see so that you don’t have to worry about damage to any fabrics or fields or avoid the outdoors because of how many moths there are.
Aside from these two options, there are a few affordable things that you can do to keep moths away. One of the easiest things that you can do is clean with vinegar rather than common household solutions. There is something about this smell that moths are not attracted to and will keep them away. You could also use a product that is easy to find called “mothballs” that are also composed of ingredients that result in a smell that keeps moths away. Putting these in a small container in rooms that are prone to moths or keeping them outside your front door is another effective way to keep the moths at bay.
Contact Our Team of Professionals
If you have an abundance of moths surrounding your home, it’s time to find a real solution. The team at Earthwise Pest Management can provide you with the answer that you need to make spending time outside enjoyable again. Contact us today, and we would be happy to provide you with a quote based on your needs as well as answer any questions that you may have.
After years of providing the greater Sacramento area with high-quality pest control services, we’ve built a team that is knowledgeable and experienced with a wide range of pests. Let us know if you have any concerns and we’d be happy to help.