Moths- A Pesky Problem.
Living with a moth infestation is quite a painstaking issue. Moths can get into your wardrobes, carpets, kitchen and start destroying the beautifully aesthetic home you have built.
However, catching and killing moths is not exactly a humane process, and despite how unpleasant they can be, they do pay a part in the world, and we do need them. Therefore, it is always useful to find those methods to be able to get rid of moths in a more humane and natural way.
Typically, natural ways are also easier, and cheaper too. There are many animals out there who loathe the smell of citrus, don’t like certain smells, products, or even colors!
Getting rid of moths can be easier than you thought.
You can get smells to repel them, safe clothes moth killer treatment, or just find a way to keep them out of your house altogether. Read on for your mix of humane and easy ways to keep moths at bay.
Where Do Moths Come From?
If you have seen any memes, or jokes online, you will probably be well aware that moths are attracted to light, as are many flying insects. But we can hardly forget the joke ‘Moth love lamp’ easily.
However, these are not the moths that are troublesome. We are talking about clothes moths, who do not love lamps, they love dark, quiet areas, such as your wardrobes, with your clothes, or boxes with your nice tableware.
Moths are also likely to stay near their food sources as well, and with a strong sense of smell, they are very clever when they need to communicate, find a mate, or find some lunch.
They can easily get into your home, through any cracks in doors or windows, but you can also carry them in unknowingly on your clothes or on soft furniture.
You should always shake out your clothes and furniture when you buy them, especially if you have brought it home from a second-hand store.
There are a few signs that you have a moth infestation to look out for.
Adult moths do not have a mouth, interestingly, so if your clothes have holes in them this can be made by their larvae.
Any damage on clothes will indicate where eggs are laid, and wedding or cocoons in your cupboards is a sure indicator of their presence.
Here are some tips.
- Look out for larvae on clothes.
- Cocoons in a cupboard are a sure fire way to give away that moths are there.
- Webbing inside cupboard corners is also a sign (moths or spiders).
- When you first notice holes in your clothes, it is a moth – sort it straight away!
- They leave a musty smell on your clothes.
Natural Repellents.
- The first and best way to get rid of moths, is to stop them coming in, in the first place. Most of the time, we accidentally bring them in on some clothing we have bought. For this reason, wash clothes before you store them. Moths are drawn to us, through our hair, oils, and sweat. So always wash your clothes before you put them away.
2. Use essential oils. Moths hate smells like lavender, and mint. Try filling sachets with dried lavender, or use cotton balls with lavender essential oils and put them in with your clothes. While us and bees love lavender. Moths do not. Fresh mint leaves are also effective. Mint works well for moths and mice, too!
3. Try out cedar wood. It is a long known moth repellent. If you are thinking of changing up your home soon, you could benefit from a cedar wood closet if you have moth problems. Moths will not want to be near it! If not, cedar chips work wonders! Cedar will lose its scent over time though, so cedar wood essential oils can be a great backup.
4. Seal up clothes tight! Use airtight containers, or vacuum pack bags to store your clothes in. A moth can chew through a cardboard box, but not a plastic bag!
5. Another alternative would be to keep your wardrobe lit and ventilated. As we said, the moths that eat your clothes are actually very fond of dark and humid spaces. Keep it cool, with increased airflow, and light. They don’t want to go in there then.
6. If you are already suffering an infestation, wash your wardrobes and cupboards down with a natural cleaning agent such as water and vinegar mixes. Moths hate the acid in vinegar, and it will kill any other bacteria too. Although, be careful if you are using this on an antique.
