How to get rid of MOTH LARVAE?

Question

I found moth larvae in my bedroom. I've only found one, but that means there's probably more. So I have a few questions -

* Where else might they be lurking? I found this one on the wooden frame of our bed, but do they hatch in fabrics?

* How do I get rid of them? Is there a spray you can leave in the room to literally gas them out? We bought moth killer spray, because our area has so many moths, but obviously it hasn't stopped them laying eggs

* Is it true that freezing your clothes kills any eggs that might be on them? If so, how long should you leave the clothes in the freezer?

* We rent our property from a letting agent. Is this something they would pay to have eradicated, or is this something the tenant normally has to sort out?

Answer 1

you will need to find the source...it won't be this piece of fabric has a stray larvae here and another there, though now other clothings may now be effected.   A moth spray won't be effective for it only killing the adults after they have eaten on the clothing as a larvae...the fogger (bug bomb) will kill many others but it isn't the cure of the problem, there may be larvae in the cuffs of a jacket where the fog may not reach.  You will need to address the closet or other storage spots that may hold anything made with  wool..fur..feather..silk.   For the closet I would empty it, vacuum in all the corners and baseboards and under shelving.  Get an insect spray that has a residual to it, like the ones that advertise "keeps working for weeks"   Ortho Home Defense is one.  Treat the baseboards,corners, etc.   With the clothing, instead of freezing, use heat.  What ever setting on the drier that is the lowest that is still safe for the clothing, will be enough to kill or dislodge the larvae from the clothing. After cleaning, the clothing that is not in regular usage needs to be stored in air tight containers.   If there is any antique furniture (might have horse hair padding) around check the underside for the cocoons.  I doubt the property management will treat for you, unless you can show they were there before you moved in, though it never hurts to ask.