Image: The entosite parsitoid wasp from Rentokil Pest Control
Measuring less than 0.5mm in size, the wasps are touted as an environmental alternative to fumigation
A type of microscopic wasp could be used to manage textile moth infestations in museums and heritage sites.
Rentokil Pest Control has announced that it will use entosite parasitoid wasps to manage textile moth infestations. The wasps, measuring less than 0.5mm in size, are said to target moth eggs before they hatch into destructive larvae.
The wasps parasitize moth eggs by laying their own eggs inside them, preventing the development of moth larvae.The wasps will also eventually die out, once they have no eggs to consume.
The company said the approach offers an alternative to methods like fumigation or heat treatment which have the potential to cause damage to historic textiles. It claims the treatment has “zero negative impact on the environment, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious customers.”
Despite their small size, the Entosite parasitoid wasps are said to be able to tackle infestations of Common Clothes Moths and Case-Bearing Clothes Moths, both of which cause damage to natural fabrics such as wool, silk and leather.
Found in dark, undisturbed areas of homes, museums, and heritage sites, these moths can quickly create irreversible damage to clothes and valuable textiles.
Paul Blackhurst, Head of Technical Academy at Rentokil Pest Control, said: “Entosite is a revolutionary non-toxic solution that sensitively and effectively eliminates clothing moth infestations from delicate, fabric and textile items of sentimental or historic value.”
The Entosite Textile Moth Control service is now available in the UK through Rentokil Pest Control, offering a promising new tool for professionals in the museums and heritage industry to protect valuable textiles from moth damage.
