Within the pest control sector people often get confused about the different types of traps and the function of each trap. Moth traps are no different, the main types of traps are either tranfluthrin or pheromone-based traps. To some they may appear similar but both do very different but equally important jobs.
The pheromone traps are tailored to each species of moth, so the Tineola species (including clothes moths and carpet moths) will be have their own pheromone as will be Ephestia species. They work by giving off a pheromone which attracts the adult male of each species to the trap, which is covered in a sticky adhesive. Once they come into contact with the trap they will be caught on the glue and will not be able to escape. People often get confused and think pheromone traps will eradicate a moth infestation entirely, however, this is not the case. There are two main functions of pheromone traps, one being monitoring. As you can physically see the trapped moths, it will give the user a clear indication whether or not an infestation is present, also the location and concentration of activity. If the traps are getting filled with moths on a regular basis this shows a full-blown infestation has arisen, meaning a full insecticidal treatment is needed. Secondly, as the adult male of the species is attracted, this will disrupt the reproductive cycle. The pheromone emitted by this trap is set to a stronger concentration than the pheromone given off by female moths, leading to male moths being attracted to the trap as opposed to the females. This creates massive disruption in the breeding cycle and drastically reduces the risk of egg laying by the females. For all of these reasons they are a very useful clothes and carpet moth treatment to have in the armoury when battling a moth infestation.
Traps such as Moth Killer Cassettes (hanging units) or Moth Killer Strips (papers) are among the most common Transfluthrin based traps available on the amateur market. The cassettes can be hung off a clothes rail and for a period of six months will release Transfluthrin into the wardrobe, this will target and kill all stages of the life cycle, including eggs and larvae. Unlike the pheromone traps they do not trap moths in a conventional way but kill without the need for trapping, making them the ideal product to leave in an enclosed space targeting the full life cycle. The other common Transfluthrin trap is the moth killer strips, these have the same function as the cassettes in that they release Transfluthrin into an enclosed space. Unlike pheromone traps, these traps contain a volume-based insecticide meaning they fill an enclosed space with an insecticide which targets all stages of the life cycle. However, instead of the being hung, they are long strips of paper soaked in transfluthrin and are best suited laid in-between garments in drawers. Like the cassettes they will target and kill all stages of the lifecycle, making them a perfect solution to a moth infestation in clothing.
When employing carpet and clothes moth traps you should always be aware of their function to maximise their potential. For example, solely using a pheromone trap to deal with a full moth infestation will definitely not achieve eradication, as only the adult males are targeted. However, using them as a monitoring tool will give clear indications to the whether or not an infestation is present and also the extent. Both pheromone and Transfluthrin traps are a great tool and complement to an eradication strategy, however, you should always remember where there is moth damage, the full life cycle will be present. This requires a full insecticidal treatment to achieve full eradication.