The nanocidal and antifeedant activities of titanium dioxide desiccant toward wool-digesting Tineola bisselliella moth larvae

The nanocidal and antifeedant activities of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) against the widespread pest of wool carpets, apparel, building insulation, and other wool textiles, Tineola bisselliella (common clothes moth), were investigated using an industry-recognized bioassay test, and a feeding preference test. Wool fabric was pre-treated with citric acid/sodium hypophosphite, TiO2 applied, and then loosely bound TiO2 was removed by ultrasound. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in larval mortality was found using 1.7 % on mass of wool (omw) TiO2, whereas levels as low as 0.1 % omw significantly reduced feeding. TiO2 did not show any repellence in the feeding preference test. The TiO2 was considerably less effective than the commercial insect-resist agent Lanacare FPL (Shamrock Group Ltd) was. This study extends understanding of entomotoxic nanocides on textiles to a new insect species and to new test methods, and further illustrates their potential for protecting wool textiles from keratinophagous insects.