The call came through as “unidentified, long, thin bugs on the ceiling”. Okay, what next? I arrived to find precisely that. Suspended from the ceiling in an otherwise ordinary living room, 1/4-1/2″ “cocoons”. I counted 15 of them.
When asked how long this interesting phenomenon had been taking place, Mrs. Homeowner whispered, “For two years”. I collected several samples for observation. I knew that they were pupal cases likely either to be Indian Meal Moths or Clothes Moths, but neither truly fit a living room setting. I expected to find this stage of a moths existance in the pantry or closet.
When examing the room and its contents, my eyes fell to a damaged section of wool rug. On a rarely treaded part of the rug, a small bare spot caught my attention. Closer observation revealed MOVEMENT. The carpet was moving slowly this way and that. Aha! The Casemaking Clothes Moth! The case comrprised of the natural coloring and fibers from the wool, they were in full disguise. Poor Mrs. Homeowner.
I’ve kept my new pets for show and tell at the office on Monday morning.
3 responses so far ↓
1 mmiller // Mar 27, 2007 at 11:14 am
That’s very interesting Miranda! How would you feel about educating me a little on odorous house ants? I currently have them looking for food in my kitchen. This is typical for Spring in my house and it drives my wife crazy. What would you suggest I do to take care of this?
Mark
2 WendyInDC // Mar 27, 2007 at 4:53 pm
I have seen several ants in one of the bedrooms of my house. Now I’m wondering if they’re these odorous house ants. How can I tell? And better yet, can you come help me get rid of them?
Please help!
3 MSherman // Mar 28, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Typically, Odorous House Ants are small in size and can be distinguished from other ant species (when crushed) as having a characteristic “odor”. To know for sure, I’d recommend having a representative from our office take a look. Can you capture a sample? Simply call the main office number 301-891-2600 to schedule a free inspection.
Best,
Miranda
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