Clothes Moth Pheromone Traps

These traps attract and catch male webbing clothes moths (Tineola bisselliella), a serious pest whose larvae feed on wool, hair, feathers, fur and wool-containing carpets and upholstery.  The attractant is a synthesised form of the sex pheromone given out by the female moth to attract the male for mating.  The trap is a cardboard strip folded into a wedge shape - the inside surfaces are coated with a non-toxic glue which catches and holds any insect blundering onto it.

How to assemble the traps

1. Separate individual traps from the strip of three as they are supplied.

2. Pre-fold the trap into its wedge-shape along the perforated fold lines.

3. Remove protective paper to expose the sticky surface, fold into its wedge shape and fix by adhering the "Do not touch" flap over the front slope.

4. If required, remove narrow protective paper strip from under the base to expose the sticky surface. Warning: the adhesive is very strong and may damage delicate surfaces if stuck to them.

The pheromone lure 

The lure should be removed from the foil pack and placed on the inside sticky surface of the trap.  Room lures are in the white packs and are blue bullet shaped.  Do not remove the cap off the lure.

Wardrobe lures are in the silver foil packs and are white tabs.

Where to put the pheromone trap

The pheromone trap should be placed centrally in the room and on, or near, the floor.  If possible, place them out of draughts and where they will not be trodden on.  Although there is no exact number of how many traps to use in a given area, a general guideline is that one room trap will cover a radius of about 15ft (5m) around it, and a wardrobe trap will cover a radius of about 5ft (1.5m) around it.

The best time to set the traps is in the spring (March-April) as the adult moths are usually most active in the early summer.  The pheromone lure will normally remain active for up to six months.

What happens if the trap catches numbers of clothes moth?

If a number of moth are caught, it is a positive sign of an infestation in the near vicinity.  This may be woolen jumpers in a wardrobe, a carpet or even from birds' nests in a blocked-up fireplace.  If the source cannot be found, further advice can be obtained from our "Contact Us" page or "To Order"