If you have ever opened your closet and seen holes gradually appearing in your clothes, you may have a moth problem. These are small insects that make holes in clothing, destroying the fabric by gnawing on it, especially in garments made of wool, silk or other natural fibers. But that’s not all: they also leave a bad smell on clothes, so it is essential to chase them away and thus be able to enjoy the clothes we keep in the closet again.
These bugs have the ability to sneak into the most remote places and can nest in our clothing, in the wood of furniture and doors, and even in food. If they accumulate, they can become pests. That is why it is important to know how to keep moths away from our lives.
One of the first premises is to maintain order inside the closet and carry out frequent cleaning to detect these bugs before they spread and infect the entire wardrobe. Therefore, we leave you with several homemade tricks that are (practically) infallible against moths.
Why do moths appear?
First of all, you should keep in mind that a moth infestation is not due to a lack of hygiene or cleanliness of clothing or closet. Moths are attracted to light, and in some seasons we usually leave the window open, so it is easier for them to end up invading the closet. Other times, for example, they may already be present in the new or second-hand clothes we buy.
If any of your clothing has been attacked by these insects, avoid scratching. If you scratch, the larvae are likely to spread throughout the garment and make it worse. The simplest and safest thing is to get rid of the garment that already has holes. Adult moths are not to blame for the holes in our favorite sweater, but rather their larvae. And these feed on keratin, a protein produced by animals, present in natural fabrics, such as wool, fur, feathers or silk.
It is also advisable to wash your clothes before putting them in the closet, as moths are attracted to dirty clothes. Try to wash the clothes before storing them and do it regularly, because this will prevent moths from reproducing on the fabric. As for coats or other clothes that can’t be washed at home, take them to the laundromat or dry cleaner from time to time.
It is very important that, if you buy second-hand clothes, you put them in a bag and freeze them for a few days. This should eliminate moth larvae or any other insects clinging to the garment.
Tricks to eliminate moths from clothes and closets
At some point you may have considered using mothballs to scare away moths. Although it seems like a good traditional remedy, it can be harmful to the health of both people and pets you have at home, so we recommend avoiding mothballs. Instead, try these tips:
- Place mosquito nets. Mosquito nets not only keep away mosquitoes, but also moths and other insects.
- Open the cabinets: Moths like to be in the dark. Try to open and ventilate the closet frequently and thus interrupt their ‘rest’.
- Iron your clothes: A trick to ensure that our clothes will remain intact next year is to iron them, since the heat eliminates any larvae.
- Vacuum carpets and curtains: Make sure you vacuum your carpets regularly. Moths can latch onto any fabric.
- Keep walls crack-free: If you see any in the garage or terrace, seal it as soon as possible.
- Clean the closet frequently: Moths love dust. Therefore, clean the inside of the drawers well with a spray or soapy water and then, once dry, vacuum the inside of the furniture well.
- Be careful with the suitcases: When you go on a trip, check your luggage before putting your suitcases in the closets. You may be bringing the pest into your home yourself.
- Lavender: Lavender is probably the best homemade moth repellent out there. Essential oils are your best weapon: moths tend to shy away from intense odors, so just put a few drops of lavender in hot water and clean the kitchen cabinets or the inside of the closet with it. You can also make bags of dried lavender: they are very effective and you can put them in the clean laundry basket.
- Citrus: Orange is also an ideal fruit to make a repellent against moths without having to use chemical repellents. You can create cloth bags by inserting several dry pieces of orange or lemon peel, and place them in the closet and drawers. Remember that you will have to replace the orange peel with a new one when it has lost its fragrance.
- Laurel: Bay leaves also act as a natural remedy against moths. Distribute several throughout the drawers and shelves of the closet and you will avoid an infestation of these insects. On the other hand, you can always try bay leaf oil, a very good option to protect furniture and fabrics from annoying moths.
- Cloves: Clove spice is very effective in repelling many pests, including moths, as its smell is very unpleasant for insects. You can wrap a few cloves in a cloth and place them in the cupboard. In no time, you will have several homemade air fresheners that will repel clothes moths.
- Cedar oil: You can use cedar oil in a spray bottle diluted with water or in a diffuser that can spread the aroma of cedar. You can also place a small container with this oil inside each shelf, being careful not to stain anything, or you can put small pieces of its bark between your clothes.
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