How To Get Rid Of Moths: 7 Effective Methods To Keep Them Away

by John Griffith
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At some point in your life, you will sadly experience the annoying reality of having moths in your home. Whether you found a gaping hole in your favorite shirt or you got attacked by a pack of flying insects when you opened the cabinets, all the signs are there. You have a moth problem. This can cause you a ton of frustration and headaches. But on the bright side, there are many ways to combat these pesky creatures from making themselves at home in your house. While adult moths aren’t dangerous pests, they make a lot of damage. And who wants to pay for that? So, let’s see how to get rid of moths and keep them out for good.

At some point in your life, you will sadly experience the annoying reality of having moths

how to get rid of moths small brown moth

What Are The Signs of a Moth Infestation?

There are many signs you will start to notice if you have a moth infestation. While adult moths do not have mouths, so they can’t make holes in your clothes, the larvae do and love to snack on your sweaters. So, if you start to notice holes in your clothes, it’s a pretty clear sign baby moth larvae are having a buffet. Look out for any webbing or cocoons in the corners of your wardrobes and cupboards to see if you can find a nest. This is also e clear sign. Some other tell-tale signs of moths are musty smells on your clothes, larvae fall out and well, seeing them fly into your lights.

There are many signs you will start to notice if you have a moth infestation

two moths on sweater with hole on it

What Causes Moths Around Your House?

As any sort of pest problems, if you want to fully eliminate the problem you have to begin with the start of the cause. When it comes to moths, like many other bugs, their point of entry is cracked door frames, cracks in windows, open spaces and so on. They may also enter your home through newly bought furniture or home goods that you purchase from a second-hand shop or a garage sale. This also goes for clothes. Moths can even get in through eggs they have laid in foods such as flour, dried foods and so on.

When it comes to moths, like many other bugs, their point of entry is cracked door frames

how to get rid of moths moth sitting on a leaf

How To Get Rid of Moths Fast

Ugh, moths. Don’t let these flying pests take over your life. While they may play an important play in pollination, they have no job in your home. Not all moth species damage your clothes, but even if they are not munching on your sweater, then they will be munching on your plants, which also isn’t good. That’s why now we are going to see how to deal with them as quick as possible.

Don’t let these flying pests take over your life

big moth sitting on tree

#Cedar

Moths really hate the smell of cedar wood. They are repelled by the pheromones in it. So, you can use that to your advantage if you don’t mind the smell. You can spray cedar oil diluted with some water all around the places moths like to hang out. You can also coat your hangers in cedar wood oil. Cedar balls are also an option. In general, anything with cedar wood is your friend.

Moths really hate the smell of cedar wood, so you can use it nearly everywhere

a cedar tree with cedar

#Herbs

A good way to keep moths out is to have little bags filled with a specific combination of crushed up herbs. Mix together lavender, rosemary, bay leaves, thyme, and cloves. Moths dislike their strong smells. Fill up small mesh bags with these herbs and leave them lying in places where the moths may be. You can also create a mix of these essential oils as well.

Keep moths out with little bags filled with a specific combination of crushed up herbs

moth bags full of herbs

@Gardenista

#Sticky Traps

If you are dealing with grown moths that love to fly around and make it impossible for you to swat them, you can get sticky traps. Just spray the traps with some moth pheromones, and they will fly straight into them. Once they get stuck, they can’t leave the trap. It’s an easy cleanup.

Moths can’t wiggle their way out of sticky traps once they get on it

a ton of moths on a sticky trap

#Freeze Your Clothes

If you suspect that some particular clothing items may be harboring eggs or moths, then you can fix the problem by putting the item in the freezer. Keep it in there for at least 24 hours. This will ensure the larvae are killed off.

Freeze your clothes for 24 hours to kill moths 

freezer with ice cream

#Wash

Your washing machine is your friend. Hot temperatures are not a moth’s favorite thing, so putting in your clothes (or at least those that can handle it) on a warm cycle in the washing machine will ensure no moths survive. You can also toss the clothes in the dryer.

Hot temperatures are not a moth’s favorite thing

person putting detergent in washing machine

#White Vinegar

What can’t white vinegar do? Mix together a solution of half/half vinegar and water. Then scrub, scrub, scrub. With the solution clean any pantry shelves and cupboards suspected of harboring moth eggs, larvae and so on.

Mix together a solution of half/half vinegar and water

white vinegar on counter

#Moth Traps

You can also get store-bough moth traps that are specifically designed for the job. however they can be quite pricey. And if all else fails there is no better way to get rid of moths than calling in a professional. So, if the infestation can’t be handled, don’t hesitate to seek an exterminator.

You can also get store-bough moth traps

how to get rid of moths moth on a fuzzy texture

How To Prevent Moths

There are several ways you can prevent moths from getting into your home and making your life a living hell. You should make sure to seal all possible entry points and cracks. Try to not leave the light on while the doors are open. And when you are buying second-hand clothes, make sure to always wash them before you put them away. Moths love the smell of human hair, sweat and body oil. They also love clothes made from wool, silk, fur and feathers, and if you are putting them away for a long time without washing them you are giving the moths a feast. It’s also a good idea to keep your wardrobe well ventilated, as moths love warm and humid spaces. Furniture should also be washed and kept clean. Keeping moth repelling scents in your wardrobe will also help to drive them away for good.

There are several ways you can prevent moths from getting into your home

how to get rid of moths moth on carpet

This was how to get rid of moths easily and effectively. We hope you found this article useful. Now you won’t have to worry about these annoying pest bothering you or leaving holes in your favorite clothes.

This was how to get rid of moths easily and effectively with a few simple tricks

moth on sweater

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John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.