Moth larvae can eat through clothing, other fabrics, and foodstuffs, and these insects can also cause allergic reactions. Cleaning and storage techniques and natural products can help get rid of them.
Moths are a type of winged insect that play an important role in pollination. Globally, there are around 160,000 species of moth. In the United States alone, there are almost 11,000 species. Here, find tips for removing moths from the home. We also describe how moths can be dangerous to health, and when to seek professional care. While in this article we will discuss about How To Get Rid Of Moths In A House.
Tips To Get Rid Of Moths In A House
Below, find some strategies for removing adult moths and larvae from the home.
1. Regular vacuuming
Dirt and dust can draw moths indoors, so keeping everything clean and dust-free can help discourage moths from entering the house.
When vacuuming, pay particular attention to cracks and crevices. Moths tend to lay their eggs in difficult-to-reach areas where they are less likely to be disturbed.
Also, be sure to empty the vacuum cleaner and take out the trash soon after cleaning to remove any eggs and larvae from the home as early as possible.
2. Moth traps
These products are designed to trap and kill adult moths, thereby preventing them from reproducing.
Moth traps are pieces of sticky flypaper covered with moth pheromones to attract the adults. Moths that land on the paper are unable to get free and eventually die.
Hang moth traps in places that tend to attract moths, such as inside closets or kitchen storage areas.
3. Cedarwood
Mothballs were once a popular method of deterring moths from closets. These small balls contained pesticides, such as naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which experts now warn are harmful to health.
Today, they recommend using cedarwood, as the fragrant oil within the wood helps repel moths.
Hangers made from this wood can help deter moths from clothing, but a person needs to lightly sand them or recoat them in cedar oil every few months to renew their pesticidal properties.
4. Cedar oil
Cedar furniture can also help repel moths, but the fragrance of the cedar oil within it will wear off over time. For this reason, a person may wish to try cedar oil instead.
To spread the scent of cedar oil, either add the oil to a diffuser or dilute it in water and use the mixture as a room spray.
5. Herbs
Several fragrant herbs may help repel moths, including:
- rosemary
- thyme
- cloves
- lavender
- bay leaves
Try placing the herbs in a small cloth bag and hanging it in the closet. Or, dilute the essential oils of the herbs in water and lightly spray the inside of the closet with the mixture.
Take care to avoid getting the oils on clothing, however, as this could result in staining.
6. Extreme cold
Moth eggs and larvae cannot survive in extremely cold temperatures. As such, a person can try freezing any clothes that show signs of moth damage.
Seal the clothes inside a ziplock bag, and freeze them for 24 hours.
7. Extreme heat
Moth eggs and larvae also cannot survive extremely hot temperatures. Check clothing labels to make sure that it is safe to wash and dry the clothes at high temperatures. If possible, use the highest heat settings on the washer and dryer.
For clothing that cannot be machine-washed, dry cleaning can have the same protective effect
8. Storing clothing effectively
To prevent a moth infestation, carefully seal any clothes that will not be regularly worn in airtight bags, such as vacuum-seal storage bags.
Also, try to keep the closet cool, dry, and well-ventilated to deter moths from laying their eggs there.
9. Pest control
Sometimes, home strategies are not enough to keep a moth infestation at bay. If so, consider hiring a pest control company to tackle the infestation.
Summary
As pollinators, moths are an important part of the ecosystem. But they can be a nuisance or cause health problems when they come into contact with people and their belongings.
Moth larvae can eat through clothing and food stores. The insects can also trigger allergic reactions, which may be serious.
There are several ways to prevent or eliminate a moth infestation, including vacuuming regularly, using cedar products, and storing clothes in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas. If these measures are not effective, consider contacting to emergency pest control London.
