Communications of the ACM
Computer Experts Join the Battle Against Moths Invading Britain
"Our data shows that moths are advancing upon the nation with military precision," says Jonathan Berliand, director of Caraselle Direct.
Credit: University of Wisconsin
Computer experts have been called in to help Britain win an increasingly desperate battle against an invading army of clothes-eating moths.
Detailed real time data is now being used to compile a map of the UK showing the worst places for severe moths attacks — day by day.
The technology will provide vital intelligence, enabling anti-moth experts to predict high risk areas as they try to curb the infestations currently sweeping the country.
Knowing where moth populations are rising rapidly enables pest controllers to take action quickly, preventing the rapid spread to adjoining neighborhoods.
Swindon is currently the city most under attack per head of population, closely followed by London, M4 Corridor, and Manchester.
"This technology is the equivalent of GCHQ [UK Government Communications Headquarters] for the moth world," says Jonathan Berliand, director of moth and homecare company Caraselle Direct.
"Our data shows that moths are advancing upon the nation with military precision. They're making huge holes in the fabric of society, showing no respect for Saville Row Suits or Primark jumpers. Anything they can get their teeth into — jackets, trousers and underpants — will become a casualty.
"And people in Scotland should be especially wary — kilts are a moth's favorite dish," Berliand warns.
"We're calling our latest battle strategy 'Operation Mick Jagger,' because as everyone knows, a Rolling Stone gathers no moths."
The House of Commons and even the Department of the Environment have been recent high profile targets for moth infestations.
Hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of clothes, curtains, carpets, and upholstery in homes across the UK are being destroyed every year — and that figure is rising rapidly.
After decades of decline, reports of moth infestations have soared over the last three years with inner cities showing the biggest increase. Experts believe the trend towards wearing clothes made from natural fibers is driving the moth population's explosion.
The new online map, developed by Caraselle Direct, shows where moths armies are on the move.
Typing a postal code into the Caraselle Direct website reveals the location and frequency of attacks in an area. The map is updated constantly, using data gleaned from rising sales of anti-moth products. [The site notes that the map "is by no means intended to suggest that the UK is experiencing an unusual and problematic level of moths or that consumers should be concerned."]
"Accurate, up-to-date information is the key to winning any battle," director Berliand says. "Moths populations spread rapidly in clusters. So looking at this map will enable householders to anticipate an attack and then move to prevent it — before the moths numbers overwhelm them.
"However, don't kill moths — deter them," Berliand says. "Killing moths is totally unnecessary. They're a vital part of our natural environment. Use natural repellants such as Cedar, Orphea and Colibri to keep them at bay and these products are also safe for children and pets."
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