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Mention butterflies to anybody and they’re likely to tell you how beautiful they think these insects are, and how they love how their backyard fills with them in the summer. Mention moths to the exact same person however, and they may be running for the bug spray. So what makes moths so much more unattractive than butterflies when really, the two look so much alike? There are many similarities between moths and butterflies, and most people can spot those just by looking at one or the other. But there are many differences as well, and these might be more difficult to pinpoint.

One of the ways that you can tell the difference between a moth and a butterfly is by looking at their antennae. A butterfly’s antennae are very narrow and end with a rounded tip, resembling a sewing pin. A moth’s antennae however, are either pointed straight or they might also be feathered.

There are also other differences that can be detected by looking at the body of a moth or butterfly. A moth’s body is quite hairy and, although there are some exceptions, they are generally very plain in color and are very neutral-toned. Butterflies on the other hand, are known for their vivid and bright colors, and they don’t generally have a lot of hair. Butterflies also have a sleeker, more stream-lined body shape.

And while many of us may consider the butterfly to be the more beautiful of the two, moths are much faster than butterflies during flight – twice as fast actually! A butterfly’s average speed of flight is about 12 miles an hour, while a moth’s speed of flight is about 25. And when it comes to population, moths also outnumber butterflies – significantly. While there are about 24,000 species of different butterflies, there are over 140,000 different species of moths.

Accuracy Plus can handle all of your pest control needs, both inside and outside. Visit our site for more valuable information or give us a call at 888-675-0258.

As soon as the weather turns cool you pull out the boxes and bags of sweaters, woolens and cozy scarves and hats.  But imagine how upsetting it would be to find that some uninvited “guest” has made a snack of your beautiful (and expensive!) winter clothing.

Moths are one of the most prolific species of insects in the world.  The most common types of moths which eat cloth in North America (and other materials) are the Webbing Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the Case-Making Clothes Moth (Tinea pellionella).

Most people do not realize that adult moths are not cloth eaters.  It is actually done during their larva stage before it entering the pupa stage, when the moth is a tiny caterpillar.  Unlike adult moths which are attracted to light, these larvae prefer dark spaces such as in a closet or chest where there are plenty of cozy coats and mittens to curl up in and will feast on your winter wardrobe as they prepare to turn into adult moths.

Many people attempt to get rid of moths and their larva by putting their clothing inside cedar chests or by using cedar hangers; however this is not necessarily going to be effective, especially after the cedar ages for a few years.   Another solution is the use of moth balls, a type of insect repellant made from naphthalene which gives off a strong, unpleasant smell.  The disadvantage of using moth balls (aside from the bad smell) is that naphthalene is a chemical which can actually be harmful to humans or pets.

While you may not be able to avoid using any chemicals completely, you can drastically reduce the amount that you do use.   The key to successful removal of moths is to remove them physically—using a vacuum cleaner and by heating the materials that have been infested to more than 130 degrees you can kill any eggs, pupa or caterpillars.  To rid your home of the adult moths, you can purchase insect traps which attract them using pheromones. 

Obviously if you feel that your problem is out of hand, you’ll want to contact a contact your local pest control provider who can offer you solutions to your moth problem, and help keep your winter wardrobe intact!

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/.