Flying Insect Treatments
Flying Insects such as wasps, moths and flies can be harmful to your home or workplace.
Our professional pest control services, will ensure that pests are effectively erradicated at all stages of their life cycle, to include the eggs, larvae and adults.
Our pest control technicians will also offer education and advice for on going maintenance treatments, to help you maintain an environment, that makes it difficult for pests to make themselves at home at your place!
Pest Information
We can help with your specific pest problem, in the following areas: clothes moths, flies, mosquitos, & wasps.
What is a Clothes Moth?
The webbing clothes moth species is the most commonly encountered clothes moth. Its name comes from the larval produced silk webbing which characteristically covers over the area upon which the larva is feeding. They are worldwide in distribution and are found throughout New Zealand. The casemaking clothes moth species is less commonly encountered and of far less economic importance than the webbing clothes moth. Its common name comes from the silken tube/case spun by the larva and which is carried about wherever the larva goes. Webbing moth adults measure about 12 mm from wing tip to wing tip, both wings long and narrow. Wings and body uniformly buff/golden colour except for tuft of reddish setae (hairs) on top of head. Hind wing margins fringed with long hairs. Mature larva are up to 12 mm long. Whitish and shiny except for a brownish head. Case moth adults measure about 10-14 mm from wing tip to wing tip, both wings long and narrow. Body and wings buff to golden with brownish tinge, except for 3 dark spots on each front wing which may be indistinct or rubbed off with age. Hind wing fringed with long hairs. Mature larva are up to 10 mm long. Whitish except for a brown head and dorsal divided shield plate on the prothorax.
Why do I have them?
Webbing Clothes Moth larvae attack synthetic fibers only when they are interwoven with natural animal fibre material or are soiled. They feed on keratin-containing materials such as wool, hair, fur , etc. They have been found infesting beef meal, fish meal, pemmican,casein, and milk products in addition to furs, woolens, etc. Outdoors, clothes moths have been found in the nests of birds and insects. The larvae prefer to feed in hidden places such as under collars, on carpeting from the back/jute/underneath side, etc. In these situations they typically feed through their silken tunnel. When the larvae feed in more exposed situations, they usually spin a silken mat or patch and feed from beneath it. However, under heavy infestation situations, larvae may crawl about exposed, such as under a heavily infested sofa. Larvae do much better in areas of high humidity. The adults do not feed. They shun light, not being attracted to lights as are most moth species. Females are poor fliers but are fast on their legs and run when disturbed. Males may fly up to 100 yards but seldom do so. When disturbed, they quickly seek a secluded/hidden place such as in fabric folds, etc. Casemaking clothes moth larvae attack primarily materials of animal origin and secondarily those of plant origin. Animal-origin materials include feathers, wools, rugs, furs, mummified carcasses, taxidermy mounts, and piano felts . Plant-origin materials include tobacco, various herbs and seasonings, hemp, various plant-based drugs, linseed, almonds, saffron, etc. It is particularly a pest of feathers/down and hair/fur. The larva moves by extending its head and thoracic legs out of its case and then drags the case along. It can feed from either end of the case. The larva usually grazes here and there causing only surface furrows but may occasionally cause holes by feeding in one place for some time. It rarely spins silk on the material. When it is ready to pupate, the larva seeks a protected place, such as a crack or crevice which is usually off the infested material. Adults do not feed. They shun light, not being attracted to lights as are most moth species. The males are smaller and are active fliers whereas, the females are sluggish and fly only short distances.
Are they dangerous?
The Webbing Clothes is not associated with any disease so although not dangerous they can certainly be a nuisance and cause damage.There are silken tubes in the hidden portions of clothes, such as under collars, or silken mats or patches on material. Both the tubes and mats have fibers and feces incorporated into them. Surface grazing of fibers and/or holes in material are present. In fur, the hairs are clipped at their base causing loose fur and exposed hide. The Casemaking Clothes Moth is also not associated with any disease so although not dangerous they can certainly be a nuisance and cause damage. There silken cases which are cigar-shaped, open ended, 1.5-10 mm long, with pieces of infested material incorporated into the case, and usually attached to the material at one end, contain the larva. Surface feeding/grazing in irregular furrows or holes occurs if the infestation is severe. The case-containing the pupa is usually located in a crack or crevice, not on the infested material.
How do I get rid of moths?
Getting rid of clothes moths can be a difficult task as they are seldom seen, because unlike many other moths they avoid light, preferring dark undisturbed areas. NZ Pest Control is your one-stop company for eradication of clothes moth problems. Our highly trained pest control professionals will make a thorough inspection of your property and then create a custom designed solution to rid your property of clothes moth in the quickest and safest manner possible.
Can I do it myself?
Do-It-Yourself methods of Clothes Moth control are often not successful as it takes a trained eye to know just where to look for these pests. Chemicals and pesticides should always be used with great care as they can be extremely harmful to humans and pets if mixed or used incorrectly.
What is a Fly?
Flies are insects of the order ‘Diptera’ and have a single pair of wings. Of the many types of flies, the most common encountered by NZ Pest Control are:
- Blow Fly or Bottle Fly – Adults are about 4-16 mm long, the size of a house fly, or slightly larger. Mature larvae are about 9-22 mm long. They have sponging mouthparts; antennae are feathery, at least on the bottom two thirds. Larvae are eyeless, legless, tapered from large, rounded rear segment to head, which is a pair of dark hooks. Adults are partly or wholly metallic blue, green, or dull brassy, sometimes black. Larvae are pale yellow to white.
- Fruit Flies – Small fruit fly and vinegar fly adults are about 3-4 mm long, including wings. Adult small fruit flies have antenna with a feathery bristle; wings with thickened front margins, intersected in two places. Mature larvae are about 7-8 mm long, eyeless, legless and tapered from large rounded rear to the pair of dark mouth hooks at the “head” end. Adults are dull tan to brownish yellow or brownish black; eyes usually bright red. Larvae are nearly white, except mouth hooks which are black and the tips of the abdominal breathing pores which are yellowish.
- House Flies – House fly adult is about 4-7.5 mm long, female larger than male. Mature larva is about 7-10mm. Adult face has 2 velvety strips, silver above and gold below; thorax has 4 narrow stripes; no pale spot behind head or rear tip of thorax; sides of abdomen usually pale; sponging mouth parts. Larva is eyeless, legless, tapered from rear to head, which is a pair of dark hooks. Adult is dull gray. Larva is cream colored and greasy looking.
- Cluster Flies – Adult cluster flies, which are a little larger than common house flies range in size from 9-12.5mm long. They are black with short, yellow hairs on their thorax and wings that overlap while resting. The eggs and larvae of cluster flies are very rarely seen as they are deposited into the soil near earthworm burrows. The larvae then feed on the earthworms. Cluster flies are considered a nuisance pest as they survive the winter by hibernating inside wall voids and attics inside our homes and other buildings. They enter through cracks in the foundation, attic vents, gaps in exterior siding and other small openings in the fall when the temperatures begin to drop. They are primarily dormant over the winter, but may emerge on warm, sunny winter days when some of the flies may become active.
- Drain Fly – Drain flies, also known as moth flies, range from 1.5-5mm long. They are dark or grayish in color and under hand-held magnification drain flies are seen to have a fuzzy, hair-like covered body with large, horizontal wings. Drain flies make poor fliers. They have a short, frenzied flight path and are only able to cover a few feet at best. Drain flies lay their eggs in the moist, organic matter that accumulates inside of drains, in overflow pipes and garbage disposals. The larvae are approximately 9.5mm long, legless and wormlike. Although drain flies do not bite, they may become a nuisance as their populations grow
Why do I have them?
As with the majority of pests, flies are looking for a source of food and a safe place to breed and live. The type of food preferred depends upon the species of fly, but may include:
- Meat; animal carcasses, especially those of birds and other small animals
- Excrement
- Decaying vegetation
- Garbage
- Fresh fruits and vegetables such as bananas, grapes, peaches, pineapples, tomatoes
- Fermenting liquids, such as beer, cider, vinegar and wine
Are they dangerous?
Yes. Many flies liquefy solid foods by regurgitation, thus contaminating food and spreading disease.
How do I get rid of flies?
Controlling flies in and around your property can be a difficult task and unless all traces of their food source and breeding areas are removed, they can very quickly re-infest. Calling NZ Pest Control is your best bet for a quick, efficient and safe resolution to your fly problem.
Can I do it myself?
While there are some do-it-yourself fly control products on the market, they are generally ineffective unless proper and continued maintenance is carried out. It is worth remembering that if chemicals are used in do-it-yourself pest control, they can be dangerous to humans and pets if mixed or used improperly.
What are Mosquitoes?
Thousands of species of mosquitoes inhabit the earth, although only about 16 species call New Zealand home. Mosquitoes feed on nectar like many other insects but female mosquitoes will also feed on the blood of humans and animals to assist with egg production. Mosquitoes typically emerge from their daytime resting places to feed primarily at dawn and dusk. While the male mosquito does not have mouthparts suited to piercing human skin, the female does. Female mosquitoes will use their mouthparts to puncture skin and inject saliva into the wound to prevent the blood from clotting. The discomfort, irritation and swelling from a mosquito bite is the result of the body’s immune response to this saliva. The blood meal taken by the female is used to supplement her diet with essential proteins and iron which she uses (along with carbohydrates derived from plant nectar) to assist in the development of her eggs. Mosquitoes in urban areas may lay eggs in ornamental ponds, rain gutters, bird baths, rain collection barrels, and other surfaces capable of holding water.
Why do I have them?
Mosquitoes breed on or near standing water. This ultimately means that any source of standing water may become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Because the female mosquito only requires a thin film of water in which to lay her eggs, tin cans, bird feeders, watering cans, old discarded tires, and clogged gutters may harbor these unpleasant pests. Mosquitoes are also known to travel as much as 20 miles in search of a blood meal, so it is safe to presume that they may also become problematic where no water source can be located.
Are they dangerous?
Mosquitoes are well known as transmitters of disease and illness to humans, domestic animals and wildlife as well as causing irritation, discomfort and frustration. Among the viruses known to be carried by mosquitoes are:
- Dengue Fever
- Malaria
- West Nile Virus
- Yellow Fever
How do I get rid of Mosquitoes?
Reducing the instances of mosquito bites and breeding areas can be an extremely frustrating task for any property owner. Call NZ Pest Control to take control of the situation, and let our highly trained technicians begin by making a detailed inspection of your property. From here, we will consult with you to create a customized mosquito control solution, to ensure that your mosquito problems are taken care of as quickly and effectively as possible.
Can I do it myself?
Do-It-Yourself methods of mosquito control are generally labor-intensive. It is a time-consuming and tedious task to seek out all of the potential mosquitoes breeding grounds and shaded resting areas. Once located, implementing the correct mosquito control option is critical to the success of any mosquito mitigation program.
What is a Wasp?
Wasps are insects belonging to the order of insects known as “Hymenoptera” – the same order containing ants and bees. There are a large number of native wasp species in New Zealand, which have evolved here, and have never become a nuisance. In contrast, there are now five social species, which have been accidentally introduced into New Zealand, in recent years, and which are classed as pests, these are:
- The Asian Paper Wasp
- The Australian Paper Wasp
- The Common Wasp
- The German Wasp
- The Scoliid Wasp
Why do I have them?
There are many diverse reasons for having wasps on your property. Each year in spring, the queens will emerge from overwintering and begin to search for new nesting locations. As adults, many wasps feed on nectar and are also attracted to water sources such as ornamental ponds and swimming pools during summer months. Feeding varies from species to species, but may include other insects, nectar and pollen.
Are they dangerous?
While most of the time these insects are considered more of a nuisance than a danger, some species do pack a powerful sting that (depending on the individual’s allergic reaction to it and the placement of the sting), could be considered a health threat.
How do I get rid of wasps?
Getting rid of wasps can be a dangerous task and one best left to the professionals. NZ Pest Controls, team of highly trained pest control professionals, know just what to do in such cases.
Can I do it myself?
Although there are Do-It-Yourself methods and products available to remove wasps, it should be noted that without proper treatment, wasps will rebuild, if the entire nest is not eradicated
Let Us Help
How soon can you get here?
At NZ Pest Control, we strive to give our customers a rapid, efficient service, and make every effort to be with you as soon as possible.
Is the treatment safe?
All products used by NZ Pest Control, must have first been thoroughly checked by the EPA and registered for pest control use. Only then can they be considered for use by our highly trained pest control professionals. You can be assured that pest control services provided by NZ Pest Control will not cause any harm to humans or pets.
How can I prevent Flying Insects in the future?
The best way to discourage flying Insects is to remove their food sources, and access to your property. Keep any possible food sources well hidden. Make sure bin lids are secure and rubbish bags are not left out in the open.
