Elimination of moths from your home can be quite a tasking issue, especially since they are commonly found in closets and pantry. If you are dealing with clothes moths that feed on fabrics or pantry moths that pollute food, it is crucial to pay attention to the problem.
Knowledge of the proper methods of dealing with moths and on how to prevent their reappearance can bring that sense of order and safeguard your possessions. This guide offers useful information on how to get rid of moths and preventing them from returning.
How To Get Rid of Moths In House Naturally
1. Use Cedar
Moths are repelled by cedarwood because of the oils contained in the wood. To benefit from this, arrange cedar blocks, balls, or hangers in your closets, drawers, and storage compartments. This is because cedar has the ability not only to mask the smell that attracts moths but also to interfere with their life cycle and repel them.
It is recommended to sand the cedar daily in order to maintain its fragrance and efficacy. Cedar is a long-term solution and it also can prevent other pests from invading your storage areas while giving a pleasant smell.
2. Lavender
Lavender has a strong scent that repels moths. Place lavender in small bags around your clothing and linens to help repel moths. The sachets should be put in the drawers, closets, and other storage spaces, or some drops of the lavender oil may be put on the cotton balls and placed in strategic positions.
Lavender not only helps keep moths away but also gives a fresh smelling scent to the clothes. Sachets should be replaced or the oil must be changed from time to time, preferably every few months.
Bay leaves have a very strong smell which drives away moths. For home protection use, put whole bay leaves on shelves, cupboards, and storage areas. Moths are repelled by the smell and this eliminates other smells that attract the moths.
Bay leaves are also a very effective and cheap form of pest control. You can change them after several months or when their smell reduces if you wish to continue their usage. Moreover, bay leaves can be used to repel other bugs and rodents from your food crops and clothes.
4. Diatomaceous Earth
A form of powder, DE is made from fossilized algae known as diatoms. It works as an effective killer of moth larvae. Shake it around in those places where moths are usually found, such as on the carpets, rugs, and pantry shelves.
It is safe for use around human beings and pets since it contains no poisonous compounds but has an abrasive nature that destroys the outer cover of insects hence suffocating them. It is recommended that a thin layer should be spread on the surfaces and left for a few days and then cleaned by vacuuming.
5. Vinegar and Water
It may be useful to wipe floors with a solution of vinegar and water to eliminate moths or their offspring. White vinegar should be mixed with water in equal proportion and then the mixture with a cloth used to clean the closets, pantry shelves, and any other area that has signs of moths.
Additionally, it will effectively break down any eggs or larvae that are present since vinegar can also work as a disinfectant and a deodorizer.
6. Essential Oils
Peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus are some natural oils that can effectively be used in repelling moths. Mix these oils with water and make a solution that you spray in the affected areas such as closets and drawers.
The strong smell interferes with the ability of moths to locate suitable breeding grounds in your home hence discouraging them. It is also suggested to refresh the spray frequently so that it will be effective. Some other applications of oil include adding a good smell to the house to make it free from insects and other pests.
7. Clove
Clove has a powerful, warm fragrance that deters moths. Sprinkle whole cloves throughout the pantry, closets, and storage areas to keep these pests away. Another way to prepare the cloves is to put them in small bags or pouches made of fabric materials.
Clove is not only a natural insect repellent but also brings a faint aroma to decorate your home. It is advisable to change cloves every few months or when the scent weakens to continue to repel the moths.
8. Sunlight
Moths are usually found in areas with low light and high humidity. In addition, exposing the clothes and fabrics to direct sunlight can also help wash them to get rid of the moth eggs and larvae.
Sunlight eliminates all the insects that might be hiding in your clothing and linen as it is a natural insecticide. Take the garments outside for a few hours on a sunny day or you can arrange the clothes near a window that has direct sunlight.
9. Freezing
Freezing is an efficient way of eliminating moth eggs and larvae. Non-food products such as clothes and other pantry items should be put in the freezer for 3 days if one feels that they have been attacked. These conditions will eliminate pests because of the extreme cold climate prevailing in the area.
After freezing, it is advisable to allow the items to defrost before even considering using them. This method is most suitable for items that can hardly be cleaned or disinfected effectively. This is a chemical-free method of preventing the moths from re-infesting your house and causing more damage.
How To Get Rid of Moths In House Chemically
10. Moth Balls
These small spheres of either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene are stored in closets or drawers to prevent and eliminate moths. These chemicals emit smells that repel moths and other insects from getting close to clothes and textiles.
They are usually effective but may cause harm if taken internally or inhaled; make sure there is adequate ventilation and do not come into direct contact with the skin. Employ them sparingly in confined areas to avoid spreading sickness.
Traps containing pheromone lures capture adult moths by luring them into the trap and then gluing or poisoning them. These traps are then placed in areas where moths are usually found such as closets or pantry shelves.
They resemble the signals that female moths emit to attract males thus attracting the moths towards the trap. Always inspect the traps and replace them when necessary for efficient control of the moths at home.
12. Insecticide Sprays
Moth control insecticides are used directly on the infested furniture, carpets, and storage areas. These sprays use substances that immediately eliminate adult moths and larvae as well as other stages of their development.
Additionally, one should also strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s use guidelines and use precautions. To avoid the risk of exposure to any chemicals used, treated surfaces should be allowed to dry completely.
13. Foggers
Foggers are also referred to as aerosol insecticides and work by dispersing chemicals in the form of a fine mist that reaches all parts of a room. They are used only when there are serious infestations in localized areas such as in buildings.
Once the fogger has been activated, leave the area for the specified time and ensure proper airing of the room before reoccupation. It affects the moths and the larvae but needs to be handled under strict safety measures to avoid coming into contact with the substance.
14. Pyrethrin-based Products
Pyrethrin-based insecticides are mostly obtained from the extracts of chrysanthemum flowers and work well with moths and larvae. These products can be in the form of sprays or dust that affect the nervous system of the insects.
Pyrethrins are fast-acting and biodegradable, ideal for residential use where insects are likely to be found. However, avoid inhaling fumes or making skin contact with the substance.
15. Permethrin Treatments
This is a synthetic chemical compound that is instrumental in the elimination of moths and their larvae. It is found in its spray or powder forms and offers long-lasting protection since it affects the nervous system of insects.
Use permethrin products for the treatment of infested objects and spaces, for instance, carpets and clothes. Make sure the area is well aerated and should not be in contact with the skin. People particularly children and pets should not be allowed to play on treated surfaces until it has dried.
16. Insecticidal Dusts
Insecticidal dusts like boric acid are used in cracks, crevices, and the probable hiding places of the moths. These powders stick to the bodies of the insects which results in dehydration and death.
Dusts are long-lasting because the active particles in treated areas remain effective. Apply the duster carefully and do not breathe in the dust. Use when needed to keep the outcome as effective as possible.
17. Chemical Moth Repellents
Chemical moth repellents are used to keep moths away and are available in different types including spray and sachet types. Such products emit chemicals that make conditions uninhabitable for moths thus hindering their breeding.
Put sachets in corners and spray on curtains and furniture. Cautious adherence to usage recommendations is crucial for effectiveness and the prevention of adverse health impacts.
18. Professional Pest Control
This means that severe infestations of moths require professional services, which may include the use of insecticides and other specialized equipment. Pest controllers diagnose the situation, treat it with the correct chemicals, and advise on how to avoid similar problems in the future.
This method is useful in providing exhaustive coverage and competent management of chemical products. It is best for chronic conditions or situations where there are many pests in the home that could require amateur treatment.
How To Get Rid of Moths Professionally
19. Heat Treatment
Special equipment is employed by professionals to heat your home or specific parts of it to temperatures that kill moths and their larvae. This method helps in the complete eradication of pests without any traces being left behind.
The heat affects the inner layers and fibers of carpets, fabrics, and other materials to eliminate eggs and larvae. It is a non-chemical solution that can be applied to treat advanced cases of infestations as well as prevent new incidences from happening.
20. Cold Treatment
Cold treatment refers to freezing the infested items or areas to exterminate moths and their eggs. Pest control experts usually employ industrial freezers or cold chambers in order to reduce temperatures to levels that are lethal to the pests.
This method is more beneficial where the item is not damaged by freezing such as clothes or any fabric used in making curtains or bedding. It is Environmentally friendly since it does not use chemicals and is effective in the control of pests in precise areas only.
Insecticides that are professional grade are necessary to control moths and their eggs. These sprays are applied on carpets, clothes, and other parts of the house that are infested. Using these sprays is one of the most common ways to kill moths at home.
The chemicals reach the fabrics and surfaces to kill the pests and offer extended control. Based on the level of infestation and safety promotion specialists choose suitable insecticides and effectively treat pests without harm to people and animals.
22. Moth Traps
Skilled people placed the pheromone-based traps meant for capturing the adult moths. These traps assist in checking the level of infestation and the general number of moths in the area.
They operate by releasing chemicals called pheromones that attract male moths thinking that they are close to a female moth. By consistently employing these traps, it is possible to pinpoint areas of concern and subsequently limit the number of breeding moths, thus supporting control.
23. Cleaning Services
In many cases, professional cleaning services can help to scrub the areas prone to moth eggs or larvae. These include cleaning carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics using the steam cleaning method.
Regular cleaning assists in the removal of these pests and their hazards such as breeding grounds. It works in conjunction with other treatments by guaranteeing that all contaminated articles are treated and assists in stopping future infestations by removing the amenities that moths require.
24. Exclusion and Sealing
They then locate and block any areas that the moths can use to gain entry or breeding grounds again. They seal cracks around windows, doors, and other areas with caulk or other materials such as weather stripping.
This method avoids new infestations by closing all pathways through which the pests may gain access to your home. It is also a preventive approach that helps fill other gaps that moths like to take advantage of when giving other treatments.
Signs of Moths in House
Presence of Moths
Adult moths are generally mobile but are best observed probably at night flying around lamps. They are photophilous and can be found close to the sources of light such as windows or they may hide in the dark. They may be occasionally observed but their frequent appearances point towards an infestation.
The sight of these creatures is one of the most common ways to identify moths in the house.
Larvae or Caterpillars
Moth larvae are known as caterpillars and they may look like little worms. They are often seen infesting grains stored in the pantry or lurking inside garments. These pests are usually white or pale and have the habit of feeding on organic matter.
Their appearance signifies the presence of moths, especially in zones where food products or textiles are stored.
Moths pose a considerable threat to natural fabrics such as wool, silk, and cashmere among others. Search for tiny gaps in the attire, rough seams, or different patterns on the fabric.
It manifests as small and dispersed holes that may occur in garments that have been in storage for some time or in areas not easily accessed or frequently illuminated.
Damaged Food
Pantry items that have been infested usually exhibit some form of damage like holes in the packaging material, cobwebs, or clumps of larvae. These include grains, flour, and dried fruits.
Check for strange objects or spider-like webs around your supplies’ storage locations. If you find moths in the pantry, then it is likely that they are laying their eggs in these products.
Silk Webbing
Moths create silk webs or cocoons; they can be located in corners, closets, or pantry shelves. Any webbing is usually in the form of delicate, silken strands or small irregular masses. This means that the moth larvae are there and they may have been feeding and spinning their cocoons there.
Adult Moth Cases
Usually, empty moth cases or cocoons are located where moths have been observed to be active. These casings are usually white or off-white and can resemble tiny, hollow shells or sacs. Its whereabouts suggest that moths have laid eggs that have hatched and grown into larvae.
How to Prevent Moths from Returning
If you want to prevent moths in your home and stop them from returning, you should consider following the given steps:
Clean Thoroughly: Carpets, upholstered furniture, and rugs should be vacuumed on a regular basis. Clean all closets and drawers and either wash or dry clean all clothing to get rid of any eggs or larvae that may be on the items. Cleaning also ensures that the clothes are free from moths and their larvae, and also avoids places where moths can breed.
Use Moth Repellents: Other materials that can act as moth repellents include cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or scented oils. Put these items in closets and storage to prevent moths from laying eggs on your clothes and textiles.
Seal Entry Points: Seal cracks near doors and windows, and check that vents and screens are not damaged. Closing all the entry points makes it difficult for moths to gain access to your home or locate their way to the stores.
Store Clothing Properly: Place clothes in air-tight bags even when they are seasonal clothing. Additional precaution measures include using moth-proof bags or covers to guard garments from infestation and keep them moth-free.
Maintain a Clean Environment: Often vacuum and wipe surfaces where these moths may tend to hitch. Less clutter makes it difficult for moths to find suitable spaces to inhabit and lay their eggs, thereby eliminating the pests.
Monitor and Trap: Use pheromone traps to trap and count the number of moths present. These traps assist in establishing the infestations at their initial stage to avoid aggravation of the situation.
Moths are of different forms and sizes and each type is unique in its own form and behavior. Here are some common ones:
Clothes Moths (Tineola bisselliella): Small, they have a wingspan of about 1/2 inch. They are associated with the destruction of clothes and other fabrics.
Lesser Grain Moth (Sitotroga cerealella): Also small in size, measuring between 1/4 inch in length. They are frequently found in stored grains and cereals.
Indian Meal Moth (Plodia interpunctella): They have reddish-brown wings that have a light-colored band across them. They are known to attack pantry items such as flour and dried fruits.
Yellow Woolly Bear (Spilosoma virginica): Famous for its yellow color and for its fur. It is a caterpillar of the Virginia Tiger Moth.
Garden Tiger Moth (Arctia caja): Orange color with black stripes that can be easily identified. Nontoxic to humans but can be invasive in gardens.
Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae): Fawn colored with greenish or grayish tinges. These are notorious for causing damage to cabbage and other cruciferous crops.
Different moth species are characterized by different behaviors and environments they are likely to thrive in, understanding which moth it could be might aid in controlling or preventing its infestation.
