Moths can be pretty pesky little things; the larvae they leave behind can quickly chew through a wide variety of substances, including your clothes, bedding, and food. You may even be shocked to learn that you may be allergic to the small hairs on moths’ bodies. Another reason to consider exterminating moths from your home.

While moths play an important role in our environment, they tend to be unwelcome guests when they decide to set up housekeeping in our homes. If you are dealing with moths invading your living space, here are a few tips to help you get rid of them quickly and safely and even prevent the moths from coming back.

Moths are attracted to the dirt and dust that accumulate in your home. Keeping those to a minimum makes them less likely to set up camp in your home. When you vacuum, concentrate on cleaning out any cracks and crevices where they may lay their eggs. Difficult-to-reach places are ideal for leaving their larvae until they mature.

These are sticky pieces of flypaper that have been lined with moth pheromones designed to attract the adults. When they land, they stick to the paper and cannot get free. Hanging these traps in closets, storage areas, and the kitchen can effectively eliminate the problem.

If moths are gathering in your closet, switch to hangers made from cedarwood to prevent moths from consuming your clothing. Cedarwood has a natural pesticide that these creatures do not like. Keep in mind that if you use this method, you will have to apply a coat of cedar oil every few months to the hangers to keep them from coming back. 

Some herbs are very effective in  repelling moths. The scents are unpleasant to moths, and they will quickly retreat. Try making a sachet of the following herbs and hang it in your closet:

You can also make a solution of these essential oils and water and spray a coating of it inside your closet. If you choose this method, it might be best to remove any clothes first to avoid getting any solution on your clothing and staining them. 

Getting rid of your moths is just the first step. Later, the eggs and larvae left behind will become a new nuisance. 

Try extreme cold and heat if you want to permanently get rid of these critters. Neither the eggs nor the larvae can survive in cold or hot temperatures. 

If you can’t stand keeping your home at extreme temperatures, try putting your clothes in a plastic bag and freezing them overnight. It will kill off any eggs or larvae that may be left behind. Or, you could take your clothes and run them through a hot wash and dry to get the job done. Just make sure that you read the care labels before doing this, so you don’t ruin your clothes. 

Exterminate Moths With Help From the Pros