5 Ways to Get Rid of Moths: What Causes Moths in a Home?

Moths can be a nuisance in any home, causing damage to clothing, upholstery, and even food supplies.

Understanding what attracts moths and how to effectively get rid of them is essential for maintaining a moth-free environment.

In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of moth infestations and provide five effective ways to eliminate them.

Let’s dive in!

What Causes Moths in a Home?

Moths are attracted to homes for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Clothing and Fabrics: Moths are particularly drawn to natural fibers such as wool, silk, and cotton. Clothing, blankets, and upholstery made from these materials are prime targets for moths looking to lay their eggs.
2. Stored Food: Certain species of moths, such as pantry moths, are attracted to grains, cereals, and other stored food items. These moths can contaminate your food supply, making it unsafe to eat.
3. Dark and Undisturbed Areas: Moths prefer dark, quiet places to lay their eggs. Closets, basements, and attics often provide the perfect environment for moths to thrive.
4. Poor Housekeeping: Accumulated dust, dirt, and food crumbs can attract moths. Regular cleaning can help prevent moth infestations.
5. Open Windows and Doors: Moths can easily enter your home through open windows and doors, especially during the evening when they are most active.

Now that we know what attracts moths to our homes, let’s explore five effective ways to get rid of them.

5 Ways To Get Rid of Moths

1. Use Lavender Sachets with Cedar Chips

Lavender and cedar are both natural repellents that can help keep moths at bay. Lavender sachets with cedar chips are particularly effective because they combine the moth-repelling properties of both materials. Here’s how to use them:

• Lavender Sachets: Place lavender sachets in your closets, drawers, and storage boxes. The strong scent of lavender is unpleasant to moths and will help deter them from laying eggs in these areas.
• Cedar Chips: Cedar contains natural oils that are toxic to moth larvae. Adding cedar chips to your lavender sachets enhances their effectiveness. Place the sachets in areas where you have noticed moth activity or in places where you store natural fibers.

My favorite lavender sachets are Professor Killamoth’s Cedar Chips and Lavender Sachets.

This 20-pack is best for keeping your home moth-free while adding a delightful fragrance to your space.

With a combination of fragrant cedar and lavender sachets, this product offers a tried-and-true method to protect your clothes from moth damage.

Its all-natural ingredients make it safe for families and pets, providing an eco-friendly alternative to costly cedar closets.

Sourced from USA-grown cedar and the finest quality lavender, these sachets ensure long-lasting, superior aromas.

Ready to use right out of the package, they can be easily hung on clothes hangers or placed in drawers, making them a convenient and effective solution for any home.

2. Keep Your Home Clean

Maintaining a clean home is one of the best ways to prevent and get rid of moths.

Regularly vacuum your carpets, rugs, and upholstery to remove moth eggs and larvae.

Pay special attention to areas under furniture and along baseboards. Additionally, clean out your closets and storage areas to remove any dust and debris that could attract moths.

3. Store Clothing Properly

Proper storage of clothing and fabrics can help prevent moth infestations. Here are a few tips:

• Wash Clothes Before Storing: Make sure to wash and dry-clean your clothes before storing them, as moths are attracted to human sweat, oils, and food stains.
• Use Airtight Containers: Store off-season clothing in airtight containers to prevent moths from accessing them. Vacuum-sealed bags are also a good option.
• Avoid Cardboard Boxes: Moths can easily chew through cardboard. Opt for plastic storage bins instead.

4. Use Essential Oils

Essential oils are a natural and effective way to repel moths. The strong scents of certain essential oils can deter moths from laying eggs in your home. Here are a few oils that work well:

• Lavender Oil: As mentioned earlier, lavender is highly effective at repelling moths. You can enhance the effect of lavender sachets by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to them.
• Eucalyptus Oil: Moths dislike the strong smell of eucalyptus. Place cotton balls soaked in eucalyptus oil in your closets, drawers, and storage boxes to keep moths away.
• Peppermint Oil: Peppermint is another scent that moths find unpleasant. Use peppermint oil in a spray bottle mixed with water to mist areas where moths are commonly found.

Using essential oils not only helps to repel moths but also leaves your home smelling fresh and pleasant.

5. Freeze Infested Items

If you discover that your clothing or other fabrics are infested with moths, freezing the items can kill the eggs and larvae.

Place the infested items in a plastic bag and leave them in the freezer for at least 72 hours. Afterward, thoroughly clean the items to remove any remaining moth debris.

Conclusion

Moths can cause significant damage to your home if left unchecked.

By understanding what attracts moths and implementing these five strategies, you can effectively eliminate them and prevent future infestations.

Start with using lavender sachets with cedar chips to naturally repel moths, and follow up with regular cleaning, proper storage, moth traps, and freezing-infested items.

With these methods, you’ll be well on your way to a moth-free home.

Thank you for reading!