Exterminating and Re-insulating

This question is sort of two parts, but they are related    

We have a very bad moth infestation in our attic…two types of moths: indian meal and clothing.

We had it fumigated once but they are still up there.  I have a feeling it has something to do with the old insulation.

1\. Does anyone have a really good exterminator that would treat an attic?

2\. Has anyone dealt specifically with a major moth infestation? (the first time the space was fumigated, the exterminator said it looked like it was raining moths)

3\. Has anyone ever had old insulation (ours just looks like heaps of dusty and smoky pillow stuffing) removed and replaced in an old row house?

Thanks!

ProspectWitch

in Exterminator 13 years and 9 months ago

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callalily | 13 years and 9 months ago

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I’m sorry for your troubles, this sounds awful. I don’t suppose the people who did the fumigation offered a guarantee? How long has it been? I haven’t had anything of this scale, but I would call exterminators and interview them on the phone to see if you can find one who’s dealt with a moth problem this severe. I’d also call the guy who does bedbugs for retailers — Andrew Klein — and find out if he does moths too, because retailers are likely to have similar issues with fabrics and difficult spaces. One other thought: When dealing with a small moth infestation, it’s important to vacuum and wipe crevices with soapy water where moths and eggs can hide. Though you’d think fumigation would render this entirely unnecessary. Might you have some old wool insulation up there somewhere? Maybe the fumigant didn’t reach every part because of the insulation covering the attic floor? Couldn’t hurt to get rid of it. Ed of Empire has a very nice contractor, Shamine, whose guys could certainly handle such a task. They were up in my attic looking around for rats and holes not long ago. Good luck.

ProspectWitch | 13 years and 9 months ago

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Thanks for your answers so far…unfortunately, this is way beyond pheromone traps.  I’ve used every brand, in excess of the recommend number of traps, it continues to be a problem, even after fumigation.

Help!

fritz | 13 years and 9 months ago

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I recommend Guido of Bravo Exterminators 1-212-465-7579
He is reputable, reliable and really knows his stuff.

BobMarvin | 13 years and 9 months ago

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Also, if the insulation is cellulose, it’s treated to repel insects and shouldn’t need replacement.

BobMarvin | 13 years and 9 months ago

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We’ve also had good results with those pheromone traps (which are called something like “Pantry Pest Traps.” Damage from cloths moths can be pretty much eliminated by cleaning cloths before storing them away. I guess the bugs can be completely eliminated, but only by using stuff that’s more toxic that I’d want to be around.

BobMarvin | 13 years and 9 months ago

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We’ve also had good results with those pheromone traps (which are calledsomething like “Pantry Pest Traps.” Damage from cloths moths can be pretty much eliminated by cleaning cloths before storing them away. I guess the bugs can be completely eliminated, but only by using stuff that’s more toxic that I’d want to be around.

Arkady | 13 years and 9 months ago

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I’ve never had the same problem – I control meal moths w/ those little pheromone traps & by freezing grains for a few weeks if I’m not using them immediately.  I can recommend Empire Pest Control – 718 237 0989