Why Moths Eat Your Clothes

Got moths in your closet? Finding your clothes damaged? Ever wonder why it's happening? If you answered yes to these questions then, this post will tell you how to end it all once and for all.

Ever opened up your closet to find tiny holes or cuts in that favorite shirt or sweater? If so, you most likely have clothes moths taking up residence. Obviously, this is a problem but just what can you do to eliminate clothes moths from the closet? First we need to understand the true nature of clothes moths and in this post we are going to educate you about them so you can begin saving your wardrobe. 

There are two main types of moths that damage clothing - the webbing clothes, and the casemaking clothes moths.

The most important thing to remember is the adult moths you see flying around do not damage clothing. The larvae do the damage as they feed on natural fibers readily supplied to them in your wardrobe. 

Unlike most species of moths being attracted to light, the webbing and casemaking clothes moths prefer the dark.  Another reason these tiny moths find refuge in your closet is due to the fact their larvae need keratin to develop, which is a protein found in your skin, hair, and fingernails. This same protein is found in natural fibers derived from animals including silk, leather, feathers, furs and... wool!

The females lay eggs on keratin-rich materials so their larvae have plenty of food to grow. Webbing's moth larvae spin feeding tunnels to travel through as they feed on clothing. The tunnels are usually the same color as the material making up the clothing they feed on. Casemaking moth larvae are named accordingly as they carry with them a tiny case as they feed. Again, this case is typically the same color as the material they eat. Due to the size and color of the tunnels and cases, the larvae of each type of moth is almost impossible to find. 

Preventing Clothes Moths

Cedar: Small blocks of cedar wood work mildly to repel clothes moths but do nothing for the larvae. Once the presence of larvae is gone be sure to sand the blocks of cedar every two-three months, or wet the surface to release the aromatic repellent within the wood.

Cleaning: Before stowing away clothing for the summer or winter, wash or dry clean clothes according to the manufacturer to kill any larvae present. Storing clothes in a plastic container helps prevent the spread as well. Another option is to place articles of clothing in plastic bags and freeze for 10 days. This will kill larvae too. A final step in cleaning as a preventive measure is vacuuming all areas, including cracks and crevices, inside your closet. 

Storage: To prevent larvae from getting back into clothing, storage containers must be airtight. Airtight storage containers lined with cotton work well for seasonal storage.

Who's Your Love Bug This Valentines?

While you may be celebrating an anniversary or the start of a new relationship Gladhill Services wants to share the ultimate love interest with you. Say what you want about humans, when you get right down to the sexiness and love we all crave the insect community has the ultimate lovers. 

Each year, Florida plays host to the ultimate lovers not too long after Valentines Day. "Love bugs,” are a nuisance pest any Florida traveler should become familiar with. 

Each spring, mega swarms of "love bugs" take flight filling the airspace along roadways. During this time, love bugs mate during a non-stop flight of sexiness. That is until their sexy time comes to an abrupt end as they both smash into windshields, headlights, grills and the side mirrors of vehicles. Swarms of these tiny creatures can cause drivers to pull over as their crushed bodies make it impossible to see out of windows, darken headlights and worse, cause radiators to overheat. Sounds like something out of a horror movie but, it's all too real. Just ask anyone living or traveled in Florida during Love Bug season.

Having lived in Florida for several years, I will never forget the crushing pop heard at least once every two to three seconds while driving. The mess left behind as they go out with a bang was the worst part. I would carry extra washer fluid in my truck during "Love bug" season but it really didn't help. Truth is every three days I had to pressure wash my windshield to clean off the juice left over from crushed bodies. 

Campers Guide To Pest Control

Camping is all about getting lost and intimate with nature so, don't let a few bugs ruin your trip. Here you will learn the 6 most common outdoor pests campers encounter and 7 tips to help ensure a great outdoor experience. 

You get lost in the wild for a reason. But some outdoor insects can make your camping trip more irritating than peaceful. If swatting bugs wasn't irritating enough, think about how some insects could bite leaving you with harmful and life-long effects. Have fun and enjoy your time outdoors without insects taking over your campsite eliminating that  peace of your natural bliss. Before you pack all that gear and head outdoors this summer, be prepared to prevent and reduce your worry.

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6 Insects Every Camper Needs To Know

Planning to get into the wild this summer? When packing your camping gear, s'mores, and other campsite delights, batteries and sleeping bags be prepared to face several insects that want exactly what you have. Face it, when you begin sleeping under the stars you’re sure to invite a few more friends you typically don't sleep with at home. Some of these insects will steal a little bit of food while others may want to feed on you. Here are 5 common insects that campers usually face when getting back to what's real, as well as 7 tips for helping you during your getaway.

Midges, Gnats, No-see-ums

No-see-ums can shake the fun out of any camping trip. These little flies can bite. They are most active at dusk. They will also come out to bother you when the skies get cloudy and the wind dies down a bit.

Mosquito

Mosquitos enjoy the fact your camping, too. They keep you scratching day and night with their bites. When you’re sleeping in nature the high pitched buzzing of mosquitos can drive you insane to boot.

Ticks

Ticks are not popular critters with people. While ticks thrive in wooded areas, they latch on to you in places easily out of reach. Ticks can cause severe infections like Lyme disease and Spotted Fever.

Wasps, hornets, yellow jackets

Stinging insects typically avoid people unless you provoke them somehow. But, some species like hornets and yellow jackets are aggressive when defending their nests. You'll most likely encounter them when hiking or resting.

Ants

Ants may become your biggest concern when dwelling in nature. Most ants are harmless but will crawl all over you when sleeping. Some species may bite or sting so keep an eye out.

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7 Tips to Help You Enjoy Camping This Summer

1. Clothing - It's No Option

You should wear long sleeves, pants and light-colored clothing when camping as this will help cover skin insects would bite. Light colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks also. When hiking through dense woods or tall grass remain in the middle of trails stopping periodically to check for ticks.

2. Insect Repellent

When using bug repellents follow the manufacturer's directions. If applied properly insect repellent won't kill insects - it sends them off in another direction.
If your pets come along, be sure to consult with a veterinarian about tick and heartworm prevention. 

3. Avoid Insect Habitats

Avoid camping near pooled water, marshes and ponds with stagnant water. This is a mosquito habitat with plenty of gnats, no se ups, midges and ticks. Look for an area close but not too close for your safety and enjoyment. 

4. Pay Attention

Nature is home to thousands of bugs and other creatures all trying to make their way in life. When we share their natural environment don't get too upset with them as they are trying to live too. Just keep an eye out for ant mounds, beehives, spider webs and such. Keep an ear to the wind for buzzing sounds. If heard, locate the nest and set up camp further away from it. 

5. Secure Tents & Gear

For the most part, your tent is zipped up and secure but, bugs find their way in at times. If you keep food in your tent then expect more bugs. During the night try keeping food in your vehicle if possible. Secure all openings before turning down for the night. And, more importantly you can spray the exterior base of your tent with an approved insect spray to help prevent unwanted visitors from getting in. 

6. Take A First Aid Kit

Tweezers come in handy for removing ticks, splinters and thorns. The Center for Disease Control says stocking a health kit when traveling with, anti-itch ointment for bites and stings is a good thing to do. If anyone on your camping trip has a history of severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, the CDC also recommends carrying epinephrine auto-injectors.

7. Store & Secure Food

Keep all food sealed tightly in containers and keep up off of the ground - especially during the night. Use coolers inside tents, hang trash from a tree, and discard all trash in a proper receptacle. Do this for your safety and enjoyment along with protecting others and the environment. 

Mosquitos, Gnats, and Midges Oh My...

A swarm of gnats can be frustrating especially when your trying to enjoy nature or a backyard picnic. When a swarm of gnats are observed from a distance the result is cinematic but, when you're caught up within the swarm it's not so enjoyable. So, just why do gnats swarm in the first place, and is it even possible to keep them away?

The terms, gnat, and midge are used to describe numerous small, biting and non-biting insects. The list includes, sand flies, phorid flies, black gnats, fungus gnats, fruit flies, and buffalo gnats. Truth is gnats only live about one month and in this short life span they only have enough time to mate and lay their eggs. Many don't even feed during this time. 

What gnats, mosquitos, and midges like

For the gnat species that do feed during their life cycle, sweet scents and fruity odors are major influencers in determining where they will swarm. Fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and even some flower beds are common places gnats congregate to form swarms. As you open and close the doors and windows to your house, gnats, mosquitos and midges may find their way inside as they are attracted to ripening fruits, sweet scented veggies, and organic food matter. For the ladies to remember, these nuisance pests are especially attracted to scented shampoos, conditioners, skin creams, and soaps used for bathing and such. Gnats typically swarm around your face due to these scented products. 

Ever wonder why gnats usually fly right into your eyes or land on your lips?
It's because they love heat and moisture too.

Both inside and out, gnats spawn in wet areas. Even moist soil is a breeding ground for certain types of gnats. Inside your kitchen and bathroom, and if gnats make their way inside, can fly into the drains and begin breeding. Before you know it and without warning you'll have a ghost - what many professionals refer to a gnat swarm by. 

Keeping Gnats Away

1) Keep areas clean

Below you will find 3 steps that will help rid both inside and outside of your home from swarming gnats. Nature is nature with it's weather so remain calm and follow the 3 steps outlined to begin minimizing any swarms you may currently have. In no time at all, you'll begin to witness a reduction in swarming behavior. 

Don’t allow fruits, candies or even ripening veggies to accumulate in your kitchen too long. Artificial sweeteners and sweet drinks left to sit out will be a lure for gnats to swarm. Clean any food or drinks that spill and keep lids sealed on all trash cans.

2) Eliminate moisture

Gnats love moisture and wet areas - this is where they breed so eliminate areas of moisture by preventing water from collecting around your home. This includes areas like your spouting and gutters, pet bowls, and birdbaths.. Any plumbing leaks should be repaired as quickly as possible. 

3) Trap gnats

You can try capturing gnats using a simple and homemade gnat trap with a mixture of red wine (or vinegar,) and dish soap. Mix the wine and soap in a bowl and set it out in an area where gnats are active. More often than not, gnats will land in the mix and due to surface tension of the soap will usually drown. Depending on the type of gnat the success of this method will vary.

Getting Bitten Or Sprung?

We hear it all the time. "I'm getting bit by something." "I have fleas!" "I got bed bugs." "My legs are getting bit up." More often than not there are no fleas or bed bugs biting at your legs. In fact, you might not be getting bit at all. Meet the Springtail... 

Springtails

Springtails are tiny little critters minding their own business but will invade areas of your home or office. Chances are if you go outside to smoke, walk, or just sit near a window you have encountered these itty, bitty boogers. Since there are numerous species of springtails in our region let's just stick to springtails for now.  Springtails love moisture therefore they typically live in environments where leaf litter and soil are slightly damp. Springtails enjoy eating fungus and such. Springtails get their name from the shape of their abdomen and what they can do with it. Like a diving board, springtails can launch themselves into the air a few centimeters on each bound. 

When most people find springtails in their home they mistakenly believe they are fleas or some other insect that bites. Not the case at all! So you can feel safe now knowing springtails do not bite or dig themselves under your skin. In fact, they aren't really known for causing skin irritations. 

Preventing Springtails

Since they love moist conditions and they can be found in all parts of the world, even at the highest elevations, springtails are the largest population of tiny insects making them difficult to control or prevent. Seek out damp areas in and around your home. Eliminating moisture is the most important step towards preventing them. Pesticide in the formulation of dust and liquid will probably be needed in the smallest of cracks and crevices. Springtails breathe through their cuticle making them very sensitive to water. With this in mind they will avoid wet applications of pesticide you buy retail. Sure, you'll kill on contact but most of their population will quickly jump away from your efforts all to return upon drying. 

You will most likely find springtail populations in your basement, kitchen or bathroom. Newly constructed homes and structures typically have springtail infestations due to damp or wet construction material. Population control should be left to the professionals but, you can always give it a shot DIY. 

Can't get rid of your springtails?

If you've tried eliminating springtails without success give us a call and we can help. These tiny critters can be found in all parts of the world and can be very difficult to get under control sometimes. It's ok to throw in that proverbial towel and get help. 1-717-597-1040. Ask for Holly, Breanna or Cynthia and they will gladly help. 

What's That Buzz About?

Did you know their buzz can be heard a mile away, and that some of them can live for 17 years? While they do not bite or sting and they don't destroy crops like locusts, what's that obnoxious buzz all about? 

What is a cicada?

Only heard in the eastern woodlands of the United States, cicadas live a lifespan from 4 to 17 years. As larvae, cicadas live most of their lives underground until they emerge for a period of 2-6 weeks as adults. There are two distinct types of cicada - the annual and the periodical. Interestingly enough, all periodical cicadas emerge from the ground at the same time in one location. Depending on species, the emergence can happen every 13 or every 17 years. On the other hand, there are Annual cicadas which emerge year after year from late June to August. 

Periodical cicadas can have green or red eyes while the annual cicadas typically are found having black.

What do cicadas eat?

Not to be confused with locusts, cicadas do not cause a loss in crops or vegetation of any kind. Cicadas feed on plant juices when below the ground but upon emerging adult cicadas do not eat at all.

So, what's with the buzzing?

The buzzing sound cicadas make is for one thing only - to attract other cicadas. Male cicadas create the dramatic and whirling buzz to attract more males, as well as females, to an area for the single purpose of mating. After mating, females deposit eggs in slits they cut along branches  then die. Once the eggs hatch, the orphaned cicadas go down into the ground all to emerge in 4-17 years. As for the annual cicadas, obviously, they return again year after year. An interesting insect to say the least!

Top 3 Most Abundant Insects

Beetles

Flies

Ants

Beetles make up the largest portion of the food chain. Beetles have a hard shell covering them, wings and many species can fly very well. They are found in all parts of the world with about 25000 species.

With 20000 different species of flies, most people don’t know they can only eat liquids because they have no teeth. Although flies can consume tiny, soft granular-like items but only after they are broken down into a liquid.

The Hymenoptera family of insects are the sawflies, bees, ants, and wasps. They make up around 18000 species. These top 3 insects make up around 53,000 species of insects found throughout the world.