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.