When it comes to getting rid of moths in the closet, preventive measures are actually more important than the insect control itself. Many people often find that their favorite clothes are moth-eaten and don't know what to do about it. Luckily, there are many natural ways to keep the unwanted guests away from your clothes. If you follow a few simple steps, the problem should subside over time. So if you have a moth infestation or want to prevent it from recurring, the following prevention tips will help you keep your wardrobe free of clothes moths in the long term.
Use natural products and effectively fight moths in the cupboard
It is possible thatInsect population in your homenaturally, without smelly and chemical-filled mothballs. In addition, it can save you from purchasing other products from the store. Suchnatural control methods and home remediesare not only cheaper, but often also more effective when it comes to getting rid of cupboard moths.
However, many natural pest control methods require a little more prep work than simply spraying or applying homemade preparations. This means you can achieve lasting results with little risk. So read this guide to gain the tools and knowledge you need to effectively get rid of closet moths using chemical-free methods.
How do moths come about in the closet?
After entering through cracks in walls or crevices under closet doors, moths lay eggs on clothing, bedding, and other fabrics stored inside. Adult insects usually do not damage clothing, while hatched eggs or larvae feed on animal fabrics such as silk, wool, cashmere and fur. They also have a preference for fabrics that are a mix of animal and synthetic or cotton fibers. The result is a collection of holes on your favorite sweaters, blouses, jackets, etc.
If you ignore the insect infestation, clothes moth larvae will develop into the pupal stage. In such cases, you may find their shell-like, tube-shaped cocoons on your clothing. The larvae eventually emerge as winged adults and continue the cycle of laying eggs and untangling your wardrobe. Wanteliminate the infestation? The best course of action depends on the extent of the damage. Learn how to identify and treat closet moths below to find out how to solve the problem for good.
How to recognize a moth infestation on your clothing
Use a flashlight to inspect clothing, especially seams, cuffs and collars, linens, and other fabrics stored in the closet. Search each item for randomly placed holes. These can range in size from small and round to large and irregularly shaped.Check the closetalso after adult moths, which are cream-colored to silver-gray and have a wingspan of half a centimeter to two centimeters. You may also find pupal cocoons or shells, larvae that look like white caterpillars, or eggs that resemble cream-colored balls.
Tips for cleaning out your closet
Pack up individual moth-eaten items of clothing and freeze them. If you find a single damaged or moth-infested item in the closet, you can use a hand broom to brush any visible moth residue into a dustpan. Immediately dispose of the remains outside and then remove the affected fabric from the closet. If the garment is salvageable, you can seal it in a ziplock bag and store it in your freezer for 24 hours. The extreme cold kills all active larvae. When a day passes, remove the item from the refrigerator but leave it wrapped until you are ready to clean it. Then use the following methods to clean moth-eaten fabrics. The following materials and cleaning tools can help you: vacuum cleaner, brush or brush, carpet beater and fly catcher.
Get rid of moths in the closet with natural home remedies
Sometimes home textiles made from natural fibers go unnoticed and continue to cause moth infestations. For example, many rugs are made from animal fur or hair such as wool, and in the past, vintage sofas were commonly made from horse hair, so don't leave any rug or couch unchecked. Additionally, if you have pets or hair buildup in certain areas of your home, this can create an ideal environment for closet moths. Many people use vacuum cleaners for this, but overlook movable furniture such as beds and sofas, where hair can accumulate unnoticed.
Closet floors are also areas where hair can collect. Adult clothes moths visit places rich in horny substance to lay their eggs. This way, when their larvae hatch, they can have a reliable source of food. Therefore, remove this source by consistently vacuuming, even in hard-to-reach places. In addition, the larvae of clothes moths embed themselves in the natural fibers of fur and other materials containing keratin. They are not easy to remove, so brushing or hitting these items can be an effective control tool. Take the textiles out into the fresh air, hang them over a clothesline and brush or beat away the moths. A brush that isn't too hard or a carpet beater works perfectly. If you choose the carpet hitting method, even a tennis racket will do.
Make your own moth trap
Moth traps are not a panacea for such a problem, but they can help you reduce closet moths if you also use other control methods. Making your own moth trap is inexpensive, but making it can get messy. Store-bought moth traps are specially designed but will cost you something. You'll need to experiment to find what works best for your situation.
If you want to make your own moth trap, you can use fly paper and sprinkle it with an animal substance such as fish meal or animal hair. Leave some areas of the paper sticky. Adult clothes moths lay their eggs on the sticky paper and usually remain attached to the surface. Replace your paper trap from time to time to keep it fresh. Store-bought pheromone traps are designed to attract and trap adult moths. They are clean and easy to use, making them a preferred option when you are short on time or energy.
Use lavender sachets to get rid of moths in the cupboard
Although there is limited information on this control method, there is no harm in using lavender as a home remedy for moths. The key, however, is not to rely solely on lavender to solve the problem. Additionally, you should only use this method if you are already implementing other controls. Fill cloth bags with dried lavender and then place them in your closets, drawers, and boxes of off-season clothing. Lavender smells pleasant to humans, but some evidence suggests it may repel pests like closet moths.
If you're trying to use lavender sachets as mild repellents, you should also make sure to refresh the scent from time to time. This can be done by squeezing the bag between your fingers and gently crushing the dried lavender to release more aroma, or re-scenting your bag with lavender essential oil. Be careful, however: Essential oils can damage clothing and cause skin irritation and other problems if not used or stored properly.
What helps against moths in the kitchen?
It's possible that the tiny moths in your home aren't kelider moths at all, but perhaps pantry moths, also known as food moths. If you haven't found any natural fiber items but are still seeing tiny moths, start by inspecting your pantry and stored goods. If the moths you see inside are not small, they are probably coming in from outside and pose no threat of establishing themselves inside, although they can be annoying. P. interpunctella is one of several insect species known to feed on stored grains and other dry foods. These are known by several common names including pantry moth, pantry moth, meal moth, grain moth and weevil moth.
Pesticides are not the best approach for pantry moths in a home kitchen, especially because you should avoid chemical treatment in food preparation and storage rooms. Getting rid of a pantry moth infestation is not difficult, but it requires a detailed examination as well as consistency and patience. Most of the time, it involves carefully inspecting each individual dry food item in your storage area, discarding affected items, and thoroughly cleaning the area before restocking. Make sure that windows and doors remain closed, especially at night. If windows and doors are open, make sure the window frames are in good condition. Turn off indoor and outdoor lights when not in use, especially when it is dark outside. This will prevent moths from being drawn into your kitchen from outside.
Bay leaves against moths in kitchen cupboards
Amid a moth infestation, you can also use bay leaves to repel the food insects. The herb's scent is said to have a repellent effect on every species, from beetles to weevils, moths, cockroaches, ants and flies. In addition, the leaves can be placed in containers with flour, rice and other dry goods or stuck in cupboards and shelves. Of course, this shouldn't preclude other insect deterrent measures such as regular cleaning and storing food in airtight containers.
Although there is no scientific evidence to support it, many homeowners confirm that their food supplies have been virtually pest-free since they started stuffing bay leaves into containers, cupboards and boxes. However, it is best to replace them every few months or when they lose their sharpness. As a rule, bay leaves do not affect the taste of dry goods. However, if this is a problem, you could attach the leaf to the inside of the lid instead of placing it directly into the food.
More tips and preventative measures to combat clothes moths
The control methods mentioned above can go a long way in controlling a moth infestation. How and where you store your clothes is just as important. Here are some tips to ensure you store your clothes properly and protect them from moths.
- Wash and dry all of your clothes before putting them away at the end of the season. Have sensitive and natural fabrics dry cleaned. This will help kill any larvae that may be present in the clothing.
- Store clothing in sealed containers or bags. For maximum moth protection, seal wool coats and suits and other items made from natural fibers in garment bags.
- Also remove wool socks from your drawers during the warmer months.
- Your clothing storage should also be airtight. Plastic storage containers or boxes are not safe enough to keep out clothes moths and their larvae.
- Store your clothing in a dry area of your home. Given the choice, moths prefer moist environments. Storing clothes in the attic or under the bed is definitely preferable to storing clothes in basements or garages.
