little moths

BillD · Post by **BillD** » Mon May 25, 2009 10:47 pm

Thanks for all the suggestions. Not sure i'm going the fly swatter route, since I don't want little blotches on the walls.

I think they came from the box of Millet Sprays I purchased at the Bird Mart.

I only buy small quantities of seed mixture from the pet store and put it into a plastic container when I get it home. Guess I need to bag up the Millet Sprays instead of leaving them in the box. I probably should make room in my freezer for them too. Would keep them fresher.

I did find the moth traps with free shipping.
Moth traps

Post by **Sally** » Tue May 26, 2009 12:00 am

I am having a seed moth invasion, too. I used to do the orange oil trick like Sean suggested, but got lazy and now I am paying the price. I have also kept seed in the freezer.

I agree with Candace, there is no need to throw out any seed that may have gotten moths in it, just bag it and freeze it. When it gets really bad, like webby, I throw it outside for the wild birds. I am having a problem I think because of using the seed hoppers--there isn't as fast turnover of seed, and so the bugs have a chance to hatch out.

I am sucking up the moths in my vacuum cleaner--I don't think they have figured out how to get back out! They are more an annoyance than anything else, though you don't want them getting to your cereal.

BillD · Post by **BillD** » Tue May 26, 2009 1:30 am

Thanks Sally..
I never thought of sucking them up in the vacuum. I have the bagless vacuum for that room with the hose extension. Guess I can get them all in the chamber and then go outside to dump it in my waste bin. Good bye moths.

I'm going to get some big baggies and put all the millet spray in them and then to the freezer. I know that's where the infestation is coming from.

I have Cardinals around my home. If I find the millet is too infested, they will get it.

GOULDYGIRL · Post by **GOULDYGIRL** » Tue May 26, 2009 7:26 am

Bill I had the same problem the last few years with what I believe were pantry moths. I had a problem with them before I got the birds so I know it wasn't from the seed. I found these traps online they are called Bird Seed Moth Traps by BioCare. I think I got them from LadyGouldian.com but can't remember. All I know is that they are amazing. I only set up one trap so far, and they have caught at least 30 moths in the last month or so. During the winter months in NY we don't have a problem but once the weather starts to warm up they come out. We were well established with them and I saw coccons all over in my basement, etc.

Since using the trap I haven't seen any and I still have two more traps, they work amazing!!!!!

My husband was ready to get rid of the birds at one point because he thought they were attracting the moths so I was desperate to get rid of them. I highly recommend them.

Renee

B CAMP · Post by **B CAMP** » Tue May 26, 2009 12:02 pm

I don't know for sure but I think after its been in freezer the moth eggs would be dead

trljr14 · Post by **trljr14** » Tue May 26, 2009 12:24 pm

I put any bird food purchased in a freezer for a couple of hours,its supposed to kill any moth larvea,tom.

BillD · Post by **BillD** » Wed May 27, 2009 9:11 pm

First round with the vacuum cleaner today. Found there were some areas they had a 'nest' in the ceiling. Guess i'll have to go in there with bigger utensils. I still have that 'popcorn' ceiling that is on that list of things to change.
Picked up a lot of the moths and the Henrietta stayed in her nest box through the entire process. (still keeping my fingers crossed).

Will have to make room in the freezer to freeze the millet sprays.

BillD · Post by **BillD** » Fri May 29, 2009 10:56 pm

The moth traps were delivered today and I promptly put them together. I couldn't believe how quickly the moths starting moving into them when I put the bait in. Take the advice on the package and don't handle the bait or they will go after you. I used pliers and I'll have to wash them with something to get rid of the scent.

When I opened the bait package I had moths flying all around me almost instantly. I didn't realize I still had that many. They were moving down the walls, fluttering their wings in a frenzy. Where did they all come from?

I'm glad I purchased 2 sets of the traps.

If anyone wonders IF they work, I can confirm that they do work VERY well.

mike · Post by **mike** » Sat May 30, 2009 7:50 am

BillD wrote:I do have Texas Gecko's here, but not in that room. They slip in and out of my computer room, but I haven't seen any lately. If I find some, would they survive there? What should I set up for them?

Are these Texas banded geckos? I don't think they climb walls, do they?

You might be surprised how well geckos would survive and you don't need to do anything. As long as you aren't a spider-squisher you will find the geckos have more than enough to eat and they will hang out in warm areas when they get cold, like near lamps or around your computer. Geckos are extremely good at controlling insects, as long as the insects are not too tiny or too large (like roaches in Florida <shudders>). They won't usually eat ants, though.

A couple cheapo house geckos would work really well since they climb walls. But with cats in the house, especially young ones, I don't think any geckos will survive for long.

BillD · Post by **BillD** » Sat May 30, 2009 9:53 pm

I don't know if they are Texas banded geckos. I've never tried to identify them and the ones I see do climb walls. I agree they wouldn't survive long with the new fids coming. I wonder how the finches would take to them in the aviary? Thanks for the information Mike.

Post by **Hilary** » Sun May 31, 2009 8:57 pm

I know that you can spray for them, but of course that's impossible with the birds around. I use the moth traps and that helps. You can find them on eBay - shop around for the best price.

GOULDYGIRL · Post by **GOULDYGIRL** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 8:04 am

Bill, Glad the traps are working for you. I couldn't believe how many I caught with just one trap set up. So far I haven't needed to use the other traps but I also bought two sets and have them just incase. I haven't seen any more moths or nests so far, Thank God!

Renee

BillD · Post by **BillD** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:36 pm

Think I found the source of the moths today. The free samples I received, that my birds didn't like. Not the millet sprays from the mart. I should probably check them too though.

Purchased 24 more traps and I hope with setting them on a schedule I can get rid of them. the free samples are gone.

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 9:39 am

Glad to hear you found the source of those pesky moths. What kind of free samples were they? ...so I don't go requesting them.

BillD · Post by **BillD** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 9:41 pm

I found a major colony in the Golden feast free samples. I don't want to discourage anyone from trying it, but I disposed of everything I had from them. It could be an isolated incident.

I'm still setting traps and they are working.

fyi. for those with felines and have a moth problem. Spud and Lilly did catch and eat some of the ones that made it into the main house. They acted like they were poisoned, drooling a lot, hiding and not being able to meow. It was really scary.

They were doing better this morning so we didn't take a trip to the Vet. They are eating and drinking again, but still having a problem meowing.

Guess I need to do some research on how those moths can be toxic to felines.

FINCHforum

little moths

Moths

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