Question
QUESTION:
WOULD YOU WORRY IF THIS HAPPENED TO YOU OR WOULD YOU FORGET ABOUT THIS MOTH

I have not seen any since.  And I checked my clothes and they are fine.


ANSWER: Debbie,

I would not worry about this at all. It was probably a single moth from outside and was harmless. If you see anymore try to capture one and get it identified by your local Cooperative Extension office (check phone book under county offices).

Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:  Here is why I panicked: I have tons of clothes hanging up and in plastic bags.  I am not concerned about the clothes hanging, I am concerned with the ones in the plastic bags. And here is why: I have many in plastic bags that I cannot get to and may not be able to get to for a long time so I am afraid that since I cannot get to these plastic bags and cannot see the plastic bags then the insects can get to these bags.  Also the bags are not sealed.    

But then logically I tell myself that if there are insects the insects would go to the hanging ones as well.

I keep putting moth balls in the closets, dresser draws.

This all started two days ago when the moth incident popped into my mind and what someone said to me on a question and answer web site that the clothes she had in plastic bags were destroyed but I know it is because she admitted she washed these clothes and that is how they were destroyed.

KEEP IN MIND I LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY



ANSWER: Debbie,

Thanks for the additional information. I don't think you have anything to worry about in terms of damage to your stored clothes. If the clothes were clean when placed in storage I'm sure they will be fine. If possible try to examine them every year or so just to make sure nothing has changed. Remember also to go easy with the mothballs, they can be very dangerous if used in excess.

Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I cannot examine them at all ever, too many. And what would change.  How are mothballs dangerous if used in excess.  

Answer
Mothballs are made from two very toxic chemicals. Take a look at this article (I may have sent it to you once before) http://www.livingwithbugs.com/mothball.html for details. You don't want to be exposed to the fumes from mothballs.

Jack DeAngelis