Moth repellent
Although there are no major health concerns to worry about when it comes to moths, they still can do a lot of damage to your textiles. That includes carpets, rugs, furniture and clothing.
Moth larvae are hatched onto fabrics before steadily eating their way through the material, leaving holes in your favorite clothing items. They can also do some damage in your pantry as they eat through dry goods such as bread, rice and pasta.
However, you can use plenty of simple tactics to prevent moths and get rid of existing infestations for good.
What causes moths in the house?
Generally, the moths you see dancing around your lights are not the ones that should make you worry. There are two specific types of moths that eat fabric and cause damage to your cupboards and drawers: the casemaking clothes moth and the webbing clothes moth.
These types of moths are attracted to oils, sweat and hair that humans leave on clothing. They are particularly attracted to natural materials such as silk, wool, cashmere and furs.
Moth infestations usually set in when clothing items stay in storage for extended periods. Moths don’t like movement and prefer quiet, dark spaces. That’s why you’ll typically see moth damage when pulling out your favorite winter coat after a long summer, for example.
Signs of a moth infestation
Holes in items of clothing
The most apparent sign of moths is spotting holes in your clothing, particularly those left in storage for a long time or in dark, damp spaces. The more severe your moth infestation is, the bigger and more prevalent the holes will be in your clothing.
Webbing in corners of closets
Moth larvae often leave webbing behind them as they consume fabrics. They spin a type of silken material in tubes or patches as they move along the fabric’s surface. If you see webbing on clothing or in the corners of your closet, it’s a sure sign that moths have been there.
Cocoons in closets and drawers
As moth larvae transition into adults, they form a cocoon. This is a hardened shell covered with silken fibers. If you spot cocoons in your drawers or closet, it’s crucial to take action sooner rather than later. Those baby moths (also known as “pupae”) will quickly be fully-fledged adults that will repeat the larvae laying cycle all over your clothes and linens.
Larvae on clothes
Moth larvae are only a millimeter long when they first hatch. They also tend to burrow deep into the folds and fibers of your clothing, so they’re tough to spot. However, if you have a severe infestation and the moth larvae have been maturing for a few weeks, you may be able to spot them and prevent any further damage to clothing.
How to keep moths away
Cotton canvas storage bags
Moth larvae are unable to eat through cotton. Storing bedding, linens, clothing and other items in cotton storage bags keeps them safe, but only if they’re not already infested with moth larvae before storage.
Avoid humid or damp storage space
Keep clothing and other fabric items out of damp or humid spaces such as attics or basements when it comes to storage. If they must be stored in these areas, ensure they’re properly sealed and protected.
Lavender
Moths hate the smell of lavender due to the terpene compounds it contains. You can spray clothes, drawers and closets with lavender essential oil spray or use crushed lavender hanging bags in the same areas to keep them away.
You might also choose to wash clothing with a few drops of lavender oil to infuse the scent into the fabric.
Wash clothes before storage
This tip is vital for second-hand clothing or fabric items that may already be infested with moth larvae before entering your home.
Airtight storage bags
Before putting away seasonal clothing items, it’s a good idea to use plastic vacuum seal bags to protect them from moths.
Cedar hangers
Cedar is another scent that helps to repel moths. However, cedar oils can stain wood and fabrics permanently. An easy alternative is to opt for cedar hangers to keep moths away from your closet.
Herb pouches
Other herbs can also act as natural moth repellents. Using mesh sachets, you can add ingredients such as dried thyme, cloves, bay leaves and lavender in your wardrobe or drawers.
Moth traps
If you’ve started to spot moths darting about in closets, it’s essential to get the infestation under control to prevent them from laying even more larvae. Moth traps use pheromones to attract and trap adult moths in drawers and closets or out in the open if they’ve been feeding on rugs and carpets.
Moth repellent sprays
Many moth repellent sprays use natural ingredients such as cedar and lavender to keep moths away. You can also opt for chemical-based moth repellents such as Enoz Moth Balls if natural methods are not working.
Best moth repellent sprays
Best spray for killing moth larvae
Reefer-Galler SLA Cedar Scented Spray: Available at Home Depot
This spray contains chemicals called pyrethrins designed to kill adult moths and larvae immediately on contact. While it has a cedar scent, it also won’t leave any stains on your clothes or linens.
Best natural moth repellent spray
mdxconcepts Organic Home Pest Control Spray: Available at Amazon
This spray uses natural ingredients but will still kill adult moths and larvae while also preventing future infestations. It contains peppermint, rosemary and spearmint oils and is completely non-toxic.
Best cedar-based moth spray
Cedar Fresh Spray With Lavender Scent: Available at Wayfair
While it’s best to keep this spray away from clothing directly, it restores cedar drawers and closets while helping to protect from moths through the strong cedar scent. The spray contains no harsh chemicals, which is ideal if you are more environmentally minded.
Lauren Farrell is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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