Trichogramma brassicae wasps - Ask Extension
Can the Trichogramma brassicae wasps actually work to eliminate an infestation of clothes moths in a 400 square foot closet?
Knowledgebase
Trichogramma brassicae wasps #891339
Asked January 07, 2025, 10:30 AM EST
Can the Trichogramma brassicae wasps actually work to eliminate an infestation of clothes moths in a 400 square foot closet?
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
This species of wasp is a parasitoid that will lay its eggs in many species of caterpillars, which are normally present in vegetables and fruit orchards. While it is possible that T. brassicae may be able to lay eggs within clothes moths, I would not expect much success for the following reasons:
- There must be eggs of clothes moths present for there to be an effect. It is very difficult to find the eggs. Normally, people spot the adults and larvae of the clothes moths
- Without a suitable host to lay eggs in, the wasps will die within a few days. Additionally, the wasps use nectar in flowers for energy.
- Clothes moth eggs are small and hard to find.
While there would not be any negative effects if you released the wasps (usually sold as cards of eggs/larvae that will later hatch), you would have more success through sanitation such as sealing affected items in totes or vacuum packs and thorough vacuuming in the areas with clothes moths.
- There must be eggs of clothes moths present for there to be an effect. It is very difficult to find the eggs. Normally, people spot the adults and larvae of the clothes moths
- Without a suitable host to lay eggs in, the wasps will die within a few days. Additionally, the wasps use nectar in flowers for energy.
- Clothes moth eggs are small and hard to find.
While there would not be any negative effects if you released the wasps (usually sold as cards of eggs/larvae that will later hatch), you would have more success through sanitation such as sealing affected items in totes or vacuum packs and thorough vacuuming in the areas with clothes moths.
Thanks you for your response.
I live in a small, 800 sq. ft apartment in a 100 year old building. I desperately need to use my closet and to wear my wool clothing this winter so vacuum- packing my winter wardrobe isn’t a solution. Half my wool wardrobe has already been eaten, the other half I put in a 150 degree oven for 30 minutes in an attempt to kill off any lingering eggs/larvae.
I’ve washed down the closet walls with vinegar, vacuumed every inch of the closest, sprayed and yet continue to see signs of their presence. More holes in good sweaters. Is my only next option a fumigator? Is it impossible to stop an infestation?
Thank you,
Rob L.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jan 8, 2025, at 12:16 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
Other than storing clothes or laundering on high heat, there aren't any other effective non-chemical options.
If there are other units in the building or carpet in the hallways that has the beetles, that can complicate any successful pest control in your own apartment.
If there are other units in the building or carpet in the hallways that has the beetles, that can complicate any successful pest control in your own apartment.
