THE moth population in the UK has trebled in the past five years, with warm weather partly to blame for rising numbers of the winged creatures fluttering about and wreaking havoc.
Why are they on the rise?
It’s in part due to the warmer weather, but also the trend for eco-friendly wash cycles, which see clothes laundered in temperatures of 30C which is recommended as being better for the environment.
Rentokil say, though, that moth larvae are only killed when in contact with water above 55C, so the low temperatures allow moth eggs to grow and hatch, boosting the population.
How bad is the problem?
An estimated three and a half million households have been hit by moth infestations this year, with London and the south-east hardest hit, likely due to experiencing some of the highest temperatures.
In all, since 2014, Rentokil says the number of homes using its moth eradication service has rocketed by 60 per cent.
How did the issue first come to light?
The National Trust reported a rise in moths caught between 2012 and 2016. Earlier this year, the National Trust for Scotland’s Newhailes House, near Musselburgh, East Lothian, called in ‘mothbusters’ to help protect the 17th century property’s historic collection.
What did the ‘mothbusters’ do?
NTS experts combined a deep clean with a deep freeze, installing two industrial freezers - each the size of shipping crates - at the property.
What do the moths do?
There are around 2,500 moth species in the UK, but it's primarily the common clothes moths that cause issues. They are notorious for feeding on clothing and natural fibres, especially wool, fur, silk, feathers, felt, and leather. These materials contain keratin, a fibrous protein that the worm-like larvae of the clothes moth can digest. They are also known to favour handmade rugs because it's easier for the larvae to get underneath and do their damage.
How can you stop moths from infesting your home?
Top tips to prevent infestations include keeping items you treasure in vacuum packed bags to stop moths from gaining access, decluttering wardrobes of clothes not often worn and vacuuming everywhere you can reach - even inside wardrobes.
Any other tips?
Opening windows to allow air to circulate during warm weather and turning off the radiators is advised, as is taking clothes out of your cupboards and giving them a shake regularly to disturb any moths present. Experts also suggest caution when buying second hand items.
Some people even keep clothes in the freezer?
TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp said last year that moths are "the bane of my life," admitting to keeping a small freezer next to her washing machine to keep her scarves and woollen coats safe.
She said: “I constantly put things in to freeze the eggs and stop them in their tracks."
And having spent a huge amount of money on products and pest-controllers, she said she learned the hard way that "the only way to keep your home moth-free is constant vigilance".
ends
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