THE MOTH DECOY GUIDE

The moth decoy is a very clever product that disrupts the mating cycle of the clothes moth. It does this by using the same pheromone that the female clothes moth uses to attract a mate. The pheromone is specific to the Webbing Clothes moth species, Tineola Bisselliella. Put simply, reduced mating leads to a reduction in the next generation of moths.

The product is a fantastic long-term solution to clothes moths, and it should be considered as a constant companion, which works continuously, tirelessly, and discreetly in the background to the point where you can forget it is even there.

Developed in the UK using patented technology, this 21st-century product is helping to preserve the past by protecting your valuable garments and fabrics from moth damage.

What to expect in our guide:

What is the Moth Decoy
How the Moth Decoy Works
Where to Use Moth Decoy
Moth Decoy Instructions

WHAT IS THE MOTH DECOY?

The Moth Decoy is your ultimate defence against clothes moths. Designed as part of an integrated approach to moth management, The Moth Decoy will help you combat the problem of clothes moths in your home. Learn about the Moth Decoy in our video demonstration here.

HOW THE MOTH DECOY WORKS

The Moth Decoy is a small tablet infused with the female sex pheromone of the clothes moth. Placed strategically in a room it attracts the male moth away from your cupboards and wardrobes in search of the source of the potent powder.

Soon he finds his antennae coated in electrostatic powder which blocks the receptors and confuses his whole mating cycle. Instead of searching for female partners, he flies around in a daze, with other males being attracted by the pheromones firmly stuck to his antennae.

Meanwhile the females find themselves left out in the cold. The result is utter confusion in the moth camp. The moth lifecycle is interrupted, over time creating a significant reduction in the damaging larvae population. Widely used in industry and agriculture to counteract damage from insects, the pheromone system has proved highly effective in protecting precious artefacts, vintage clothing and fabrics in historic buildings, theatres, palaces and stately homes across the UK.

THE SCIENCE - THE POWER OF PHEROMONES

The Moth Decoy contains a mixture of carnauba wax micro powder infused with synthetic female moth pheromone in the form of a small discrete tablet. The tablets release the pheromones which attract male moths. When a male moth comes in contact with the electrostatic powder, it sticks to the antenna, blocking the moth’s receptors, confusing the moth into thinking he has found a female.

The affected male moth then becomes a decoy. It acts as a mobile pheromone dispenser producing ‘false’ pheromone trails which attract and confuse other males and disrupt the mating cycle. The moths are prevented from breeding so the damaging larvae fail to emerge. Over time, without any moths being killed, monitoring moth traps will show a reduction in the number of moths caught. Read our dedicated blog about the Science Behind The Moth Decoy for further information.

WHERE TO USE THE MOTH DECOY

To ensure optimal results, place the moth decoy in each room where you've detected moth activity. It should be positioned on a surface no higher than 2 metres from the floor, away from wardrobes, windows, or doors to avoid disrupting the pheromone distribution.

Avoid placing it in areas with strong air currents, like near doors or windows, and ensure it's kept out of reach of children and pets. Use with our moth boxes, and place them on the opposite side of the room, to monitor progress and ensure the decoy's effectiveness.

Moth Trap Box and The Moth Decoy | Total Wardrobe Care

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

Purchase our Moth Decoy with our subscribe and save so you don't have to remember order another one, it will just arrive in time to be replaced or as part of our Full Coverage Moth Protection. The Moth Decoy is part of an integrated moth management programme which includes cleaning, storage, anti-moth products and moth traps to monitor moth activity.

Install a Moth Trap Box to establish where you have a problem
Place 1 Moth Decoy in each affected room
Do not use in a wardrobe or cupboard
Avoid locating near extreme air movement such as a door or window
Place the tablets no higher than 2 metres from the floor
Keep away from children and pets. This product is non-toxic
Replace after 3 months
Use in conjunction with our Moth Boxes to monitor progress
Moth Boxes should be located on the opposite side of the room

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAN I USE THE MOTH DECOY BY ITSELF?

The Moth Decoy is designed as part of an integrated approach to moth management. We offer a comprehensive a range of Anti-Moth Products to help you combat clothes moths in your home.

HOW DO I KNOW THE MOTH DECOY IS WORKING?

Check your pheromone Moth Trap, one moth trap box should be in each room to monitor. Although you can’t smell it or see it working, The Moth Decoy works 24x7 attracting the male moths and confusing the mating cycle.

HOW MANY MOTH DECOYS DO I NEED?

For your peace of mind we recommend that you install a Moth Decoy in each of the rooms where you have detected moths.

HOW LONG DOES THE MOTH DECOY LAST?

You will need to replace the moth decoy after 3 months. When you subscribe to The Moth Decoy replacements will be sent to you automatically every 3 months to ensure continuous cover.

DO THE MOTHS REPRODUCE ALL YEAR ROUND?

Moths like warm temperatures. In heated buildings, the moths can reproduce throughout the year.

WHAT ARE THE TABLETS MADE FROM?

The Moth Decoy contains a mixture of carnauba wax micro powder infused with synthetic female moth pheromone in the form of a small discrete tablet. Carnauba wax is derived from the leaves of a palm that is native to and grown only in northeastern Brazil.

Inert, safe and odour free, the carnauba wax is used in many industrial and agricultural situations. This wax is also used on apples and smarties to give them shine. Made in the UK, the product combines effective technology with safety in mind.

WHERE SHOULD I PUT MY MOTH DECOY?

Put 1 tablet in each room affected. Place on a surface no higher than 2 metres. Do not place in the wardrobe or near a window or door. Keep away from children and pets. The tablet acts like a room diffuser, spreading through the air and downwards.

Moth Boxes should be placed at the same height at least 5 metres away from The Moth Decoy.

WHY AM I SEEING MORE MOTHS AFTER I HAVE INSTALLED THE MOTH DECOY?

Don’t be surprised if, initially, you see more moths: The Moth Decoy is designed to draw them out of their hiding places. The pheromones attract and excite the moths, overloading their senses. Don’t be tempted to catch these moths. Leave them to do their work and spread the pheromones around to confuse the rest of the male moth population.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO WORK?

The lifecycle of the clothes moth will vary depending on temperature and humidity, but on average it will take three life cycles (3 months each) to take effect.

DOES THE MOTH DECOY KILL MOTHS?

The Moth Decoy uses a small amount of female sex pheromone of the clothes moth. It does not contain insecticide and is not designed to kill moths.

WHY DOES THE TABLET NEED TO BE CHANGED EVERY 3 MONTHS?

The pheromone in The Moth Decoy is released in powder form at an optimum rate to attract male moths. In a similar way to a room scent diffuser the rate decreases over time, and after three months the table needs to be replaced to maintain optimum efficiency.