It is that time of the year again for storing clothes and goods away for safeguarding against moths. Despite all efforts to effectively keep out these pests, sometimes you have to call the professionals at Platinum Pest & Lawn for Collinsville Pest Control. In Oklahoma, we see a multitude of moth types, such as cecropia moths, pantry moths, brown-house moths, clothes moths, tube moths, tiger moths and many more. We will cover each of these common and uncommon varieties of moths and their characteristics. We want to protect your home and items from pests that are harmful to the structural integrity of a property, but also aim to shield your goods and other items from damage.
The hyalophora cecropia moth is the largest native moth in North America and Oklahoma is common ground for this species. This type of moth is in the family of Saturniidae, the giant silk moth clan. The female’s wingspan is between five to seven inches or more. Their larvae are most commonly found in maple trees, but also have been found in cherry and birch trees. With a short adult lifespan of approximately two weeks, these adult females can lay up to one hundred eggs with each developmental stage lasting around one week before hatching into tiny black caterpillars. They reach maturity within the first two weeks of warmer weather, typically in early summer months. For Collinsville Pest Control service call Platinum Pest & Lawn at 918-376-0857 today to book your service.
Brown-house pantry moths are active during the summertime and are commonly found in household items like, clothing, carpets, attics, and kitchens. They are generally about eight to fourteen millimeters long, light brown with dark spots and have markings on their wings and body. They tend to eat dried goods, such as flour, rice, oatmeal, potatoes, breads, and other items like clothing and other textiles. Like Moths to a Flame, contact Platinum Pest & Lawn today for Collinsville Pest Control at 918-376-0857, to eliminate your pest problem! These pests are generally found in kitchen pantries, cracks and crevices in your floorboards, and cupboards with dried foods.
The clothes moth’s larvae will eat animal fibers or hairs, including other fabrics of clothing. Most of the customers we treat for moth services have discovered these pests when getting into their stored clothing. These larvae eat animal fibers that are not removed by other scavengers like silk, wool, fur and hair. Contributing factors such as, pet sheddings, fur and hairs that are built up in vents and air ducts will cause an infestation. Basements and attics tend to be the most affected locations. Pheromone traps help with counting and destroying these moths, after removing and cleaning with a strong-suctioned vacuum, soapy water and laundering clothing in hot water for about thirty minutes to kill the eggs.
The potato tuber moth, also known as phthorimaea operculella, feeds on plants such as potato crops. Their wingspan reaches about twelve millimeters and have a narrow, light brown body with gray-ish wings that have a variety of darker small spots. Females can be identified by the “X” marking on their forewings when closed. As these moths can be found world-wide, they do prefer tropical climates. Platinum Pest & Lawn will tackle your Collinsville Pest Control treatments to eliminate these pests, call us to schedule your appointment today at 918-376-0857.
Tiger moths are visually deceiving, with their bright color patterns and thick, furry body structure. When at rest, their wings will fold over their body, like a roof. They can be located across various areas like gardens, along ditches, woodlands, wetlands, and coastal regions. These species have been reported to bite and “sting” humans, which can cause irritation to the skin so be aware. Eggs are laid on plants in batches, which can hatch between seven to ten days. It takes less than thirty days for the caterpillars to become fully grown. Let us get rid of your moth issue for Collinsville Pest Control by Platinum Pest & Lawn!
Of the bucculatricidae family, the ribber cocoon-maker moth is easily overlooked, as they are very small. Measured to be about one-tenth of an inch. They are also known as leaf-miners, forming noticeably brown markings on leaves. These light-brown moths have a dark spot on each front wing. They tend to be found attached to twigs or fruit and cause damage to foliage. The larvae of this species will create a white barrier around itself before turning into a cocoon. Get ahold of us today for your moth services, Platinum Pest & Lawn is here to help!
Similarly, the cosmet moth (also known as cosmopterigidae) is also smaller to notice. With their narrow wings and tiny larvae, they feed on foliage, seeds and stems of their host plants. This moth is approximately half an inch to one inch long, the head is yellowish-brown colored, and a series of white dots run along the apex. Typically, these particular moths will be discovered in North America from June to August. The word Cosmopterix comes from the Greek meaning “ornamental wings”. Their feeding habitat includes bark, leaf miners, seed borers, gall makers, seed and flower buds and other various foliage. Our technicians will eliminate your moth issue quickly, call Platinum Pest & Lawn at 918-376-0857 to schedule today!
Last, but not least, the carpenter moth is found in most of the United States. Also known as the “prionoxystus robiniae”, the carpenterworm moth or locust borer, has a larger wingspan of one inch to almost three and a half inches wide. They are generally found from May to July, which varies by location. Their wing markings are camouflage to bark and have fine dark reticulation. They can be found feeding on oak, locust, chestnut, poplar, willow, ash, and maple trees. Their larvae are so destructive that it decreases the value of hardwood lumber. The life expectancy of this specific moth can range from one to three years of age. If you have smelled their goatlike odor, you need to contact Platinum Pest & Lawn for your Collinsville Pest Control service immediately at 918-376-0857 for our skilled technicians to eliminate your issue!
