Moths – We all have come across these destructive little soldiers fighting a battle on our lovely silks and furs.
These tiny insects are attracted to the fabrics and can ruin your luxurious wardrobe collection.
These dull-winged insects will fly out from your pantry or food containers and startle you.You can get rid of moth flies by using home remedies.
Moths are the cousins of the pretty butterflies, who make your carpets not so pretty by laying eggs in them. They can have the pleasure of a grand feast once they get into your cereals and grains containers. A lot of damage can be caused if proper steps aren’t taken.
If you see a moth flying across your home, don’t ignore it. It’s just an indication that somewhere in the house your favorite sweater or furniture has been infested my moths.
Don’t be horrified. This problem can be prevented.
Table of Contents
15 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Moths Flies:
1.Vacuum
Moths tend to hide under furniture or shelves and inside the carpets and rugs. The high pressure from the vacuum cleaner makes it easier to catch these hidden insects. The area can be washed after vacuuming for a long lasting moth free home.
2.Hair Dryer
Vacuum cleaners cannot be used on clothes or delicate fabrics. So blowing the hot air can kill the moths and their eggs.
3.Cedar
Moths detest cedar chips, like a child, detests spinach. A small bag of cedar chips can be kept in the area infested by moths. This can eliminate these flying insects from your home.
4.Lavender
Lavender oil can be sprayed to get rid of moths. Dry lavender flowers can also be sprinkled. The pleasant smell will also lighten your mood.
5.Cloves
A small pouch of cloves can be made by wrapping some of it in paper or cloth. Keeping this in food containers or pantry will prevent the moths from damaging your food grains.
A thicker pouch can be made out of a handkerchief for the wardrobe so that the strong smell of the cloves don’t get on your clothes.
6.Vinegar
Mix white vinegar with water, both taken in equal proportions. Spray this mixture can chase the moths away. The vinegar can leave stains on certain materials, so proper care should be taken while spraying it.
7.Naphthalene Balls
The pungent smell of the naphthalene balls can help in getting rid of moth infestations. Make a pouch out of cotton fabric and put two naphthalene balls in it. Place this pouch in your cupboard.
8.Flypaper
It is one of the oldest methods to trap and kill these annoying insects. Flypaper can be made by applying oil, mainly fish oil, on both the sides of a sheet or paper. Hanging the flypaper in the kitchen shelves or wardrobes can trap the moths as they get stuck to the sheet.
9.Bay Leaves
Moths hate the strong smell of the bay leaves. Dry bay leaves can be sprinkled on clothes or stored items to avoid moths. It can also be added to potpourri.
10.Cinnamon
Wrap some cinnamon sticks in a tissue paper and place them in your cupboards, cabinets or cloth bags. The scent of cinnamon drives the moths away.
11.Indian Lilac
This natural herb has anti-pest properties. Fresh leaves can be kept on the kitchen racks. Dry powder can be put in the cupboards. Use a cotton ball to soak the essential oil of lilac and put them on the wooden shelves.
12.Pheromone Moth Traps
These traps are famous for pest control and can be found in departmental stores. Simply place these traps in the areas prone to moths.
13.Essential Oils
Mix the oils of clove, Indian lilac, and lavender and soak the sponge in it. Wipe the racks and shelves with this sponge to get rid of moths and their eggs.
14.Moth Crystals
These are crystals with a strong scent found in pest control shops. Put the crystals in a towel or a handkerchief and place it under the bed, in the kitchen and the closets to avoid the moths.
15.Herbs
Sachets made of herbs like lavender, thyme and rosemary made out of small pieces of cloth can be placed in the areas infested by moths.
What To Look For?
It is often thought that moths are found near well-lit areas, like under a tube light or a bulb. But the moths which cause damage and destroy the precious items usually prefer dark places, where they cannot be disturbed.
Moths that feed on clothes tend to more active in dark environments and prefer to stay near their food source. This makes it difficult to detect them.
The babies of the moths called larvae are responsible for all the destruction of the wool and carpets. Adult moths don’t take part in the crime of damaging fabrics, as they do not have mouths.
There are a few symptoms that can you aware of the uninvited guest in your house.
- Tiny holes in the fabrics or clothes
- Fizzy look at the corners of the containers of foods
- Dust-like layer on the garments and furniture that are not used much
- The porous web-like layer at the corners of racks, shelves, grills,
- A foul smell from closed shelves or lofts
- Discolored screen of TV or computers
- Cocoons or moth droppings
- Food items become slightly sticky
- Food items give off a stale smell even before the date of expiration
Do’:
- Wash your clothes regularly to get rid of the eggs that the moths might have laid in the clothing.
- Clothes should be put in a hot dryer if possible. If not, they should be kept in the freezer for few days. This can kill the eggs of the moths.
- Towels and bed sheets should be washed once in a while.
- Remove bags, suitcases, and other storage containers, and wash them as well.
- Brush your wools and furs once every few months to remove the eggs.
- Dust the sofa covers, TV or computer screens, and curtains.
- Wipe your kitchen racks regularly.
- The woolen jackets that are rarely used should be covered in plastic bags and stored in airtight spaces.
- Leave your cupboards and shelves open for a few hours every once in a while. The air inside the cupboards will circulate, and humidity will be avoided. Moths are attracted to humid and damp areas.
- When you are taking your woolen clothes out, put them in the sun for a few hours.
- Examine the food bought in bulk. They may carry moth eggs. Put them in the freezer and store it for 2-3 days before consuming.
- Use airtight plastic or glass containers for food storage.
- Keep the kitchen or the pantry well-ventilated.
- Seal the cracks in the shelves and racks as moths hide in such dark places.
Don’ts:
- Don’t use alcohol as a spray for the prevention of moths. It can leave stains.
- After washing suitcases and containers let them dry completely. If you leave them moist, the fungus will grow.
- Don’t leave the flypaper overnight in your kitchen or wardrobes. It might trap other small insects.
- Don’t leave the half used boxes just like that. Store them.
- Don’t leave the moth traps in the open after they’ve been used. Seal them and throw them away.
- Don’t save the food infested by moths. Dispose of
- Don’t throw your garbage in the open. Dispose of it in a sealed garbage bag.
Moths can be difficult to deal with. In severe cases, where these measures are not enough, you should consider calling an exterminator.
So, don’t let these creepy insects ruin your glamorous blouse or your bag of chips!
