Professional Moth Control Services
Few household pests cause as much frustration as pantry or clothes moths. Indian meal moth larvae burrow into cereals, grains, nuts, pet food and even chocolate, while clothes moth larvae chew through wool, silk and other natural fabrics. Left unchecked, these tiny invaders contaminate food, ruin garments and can reproduce year-round inside Southern California homes.
Types of Moths We Eliminate
Indian Meal Moths (Pantry Moths)
The most common stored food pest in homes:
- Larvae: Cream-colored with brown heads, spin silky webbing in food
- Adults: 1/2 inch wingspan, coppery-red outer wings
- Target: Grains, cereals, nuts, dried fruit, pet food, birdseed, chocolate
- Damage: Contaminate entire pantries, create webbing and waste
Clothes Moths
Two species attack natural fabrics:
- Webbing Clothes Moths: Most common, create silky tubes on fabrics
- Casemaking Clothes Moths: Larvae drag portable cases as they feed
- Target: Wool, silk, cashmere, fur, feathers, felt, leather
- Damage: Irregular holes in garments, carpets, upholstery
Mediterranean Flour Moths
Similar to Indian meal moths:
- Appearance: Pale gray with wavy black lines on wings
- Target: Flour, cereals, nuts, chocolate, dried fruit
- Behavior: Strong fliers, often seen zigzagging near lights
Why Moths Are a Problem
Food Loss & Contamination
- Just one infested package can spoil an entire pantry shelf
- Larvae leave behind webbing, feces, and cast skins
- Contaminated food must be discarded for health reasons
- Can spread quickly between stored products
Hidden Damage
- Larvae feed out of sight inside packages and fabrics
- First sign is often ruined food or holes in clothing
- By the time adults are seen, infestation is established
- Can go unnoticed for months in stored items
Continuous Breeding
- Indoor temperatures allow multiple generations per year
- Female moths lay 100-400 eggs directly on food sources
- Complete life cycle in as little as 30 days
- Year-round breeding makes early intervention critical
Common Warning Signs
Pantry Moths
- Worm-like larvae or silky webbing in grains, flour, cereal or pet food
- Sticky clumps or powdery residue where larvae have tunneled
- Adult moths fluttering near kitchen lights or pantry areas
- Small moths walking on pantry shelves rather than flying
- Cocoons in corners of cabinets or food packages
Clothes Moths
- Tiny holes or threadbare patches on wool, cashmere, or silk
- Silky tubes or cases on fabric surfaces
- Moths flying from closets when disturbed
- Larvae or cocoons in closet corners or under furniture
- Damage concentrated in dark, undisturbed areas
Our Six-Step Moth Control Solution
1. Thorough Inspection
- Pinpoint every hotspot from pantry corners to seldom-used closets
- Identify the specific moth species for targeted treatment
- Locate all infested materials and breeding sites
- Assess the full extent of the infestation
2. Targeted Removal
- Safely bag and dispose of all contaminated food items
- Identify salvageable vs. damaged fabrics
- Remove larvae, pupae, and egg deposits
- Eliminate all active breeding sources
3. Precision Treatment
- Apply low-odor, eco-friendly treatments in cracks and crevices
- Place species-specific pheromone traps to interrupt breeding
- Use growth regulators to prevent larvae development
- Target treatments to moth highways and hiding spots
4. Protective Sealing
- Recommend airtight food storage solutions
- Suggest proper garment storage options
- Seal cracks and gaps where moths hide
- Create barriers against re-infestation
5. Integrated Pest Management
- Correct underlying conditions attracting moths
- Address humidity issues that moths prefer
- Improve ventilation in storage areas
- Eliminate entry points and gaps around doors
6. Follow-Up Monitoring
- Schedule checks to ensure complete elimination
- Monitor pheromone trap catches
- Verify no new activity or damage
- Adjust strategies if needed
Prevention Tips You Can Start Today
For Pantry Moths
- Move grains, rice, nuts and pet food into sealed glass or plastic containers
- Inspect bulk foods, birdseed and spices before storing
- Vacuum pantry shelves regularly and dispose of bag immediately
- Use oldest products first (FIFO - First In, First Out)
- Clean up spills immediately and don’t leave pet food out
For Clothes Moths
- Store susceptible garments in airtight bags or containers
- Clean items before storing (moths prefer soiled fabrics)
- Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets as deterrents
- Vacuum closet floors and baseboards regularly
- Place infested items in freezer (0°F) for 72 hours
General Prevention
- Reduce humidity with dehumidifiers or improved ventilation
- Seal cracks and crevices where moths can hide
- Install tight-fitting screens on windows and vents
- Regular cleaning and inspection of storage areas
- Donate unused dry goods and clothing
Professional vs. DIY Treatment
Why DIY Often Fails
- Miss hidden larvae deep in packages or fabrics
- Pheromone traps alone don’t eliminate infestations
- Can’t reach moths in wall voids or deep storage
- Lack access to professional growth regulators
Professional Advantages
- Complete inspection finds all breeding sources
- Commercial-grade treatments reach hidden areas
- Integrated approach addresses all life stages
- Expertise in moth biology and behavior
- Guaranteed elimination with follow-up service
What to Expect from Our Service
Initial Service:
- 45-60 minute detailed inspection
- Identification of all moth species present
- Removal guidance for infested items
- Targeted treatment application
- Installation of monitoring devices
Results Timeline:
- Immediate: Reduced adult moth activity
- 1-2 weeks: Larvae elimination
- 3-4 weeks: No new moth activity
- 30+ days: Complete life cycle interruption
Specialized Moth Services
Commercial Properties
- Restaurants and food service facilities
- Grocery stores and markets
- Food processing and storage
- Museums and textile storage
- Hotels and hospitality
Residential Focus
- Complete pantry protection programs
- Closet and wardrobe treatments
- Attic and storage area service
- Carpet and upholstery protection
- Seasonal storage preparation
Frequently Asked Questions
How did moths get in my sealed packages?
Moths often enter homes in already-infested products from stores. Eggs and tiny larvae can be present in seemingly sealed packages. They can also chew through plastic bags and cardboard.
Are moth control treatments toxic?
No. We use eco-friendly, low-odor treatments safe for families and pets. Pheromone traps contain no pesticides, and growth regulators specifically target moth development without affecting mammals.
How long does moth elimination take?
Complete elimination typically takes 30-45 days to break the full life cycle. You’ll see immediate reduction in adult moths, with full control as remaining eggs and larvae are eliminated.
Should I throw away all my food?
Not necessarily. Our technicians will help identify what’s infested and what’s safe. Unopened cans and jars are typically fine. We’ll guide you through the inspection process.
Can moths damage my home’s structure?
No. Unlike termites or carpenter ants, moths only damage food products and natural fabrics. They don’t harm wood, drywall, or home structures.
How can I prevent future moth problems?
Proper storage is key. Use airtight containers for susceptible foods and garments. Regular cleaning, inspection, and humidity control create an environment moths avoid.
Ready for a moth-free home? Don’t let moths ruin another meal or garment.
Call (626) 256-3200 for immediate moth control service.
Pantry & Fabric Protection • Eco-Friendly Methods • Satisfaction Guaranteed
Armed Exterminators - Protecting Your Food and Fabrics Since 1997
Service Areas
Armed Exterminators provides moth control services throughout the San Gabriel Valley and Greater Los Angeles areas.