If you’ve 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 clothing 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 get rid of them and thus be able to once again enjoy the clothes you keep in the closet.
These insects 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 harmful. This is why it is important to know how to keep moths out of our lives.
One of the first premises is to maintain order inside the closet and carry out frequent cleanings to detect these insects before they spread and infect the entire wardrobe. So we leave you with some (practically) foolproof home tips against moths.
Why do butterflies appear?
First of all, you need to keep in mind that a moth infestation is not due to lack of hygiene or cleanliness of clothes or closet. Moths are attracted to light and in certain 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 one of your clothes has been attacked by these insects, avoid scratching it. If you scratch, the larvae may spread throughout the garment and make the situation worse. The simplest and safest thing is to get rid of clothing that already has holes. It is not adult butterflies that are responsible 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 clothes before storing them and do this regularly, as this will prevent moths from breeding on the fabric. As for coats or other clothes that cannot be washed at home, take them to the laundromat or dry cleaner from time to time.
It is very important if you buy second-hand clothes to put them in a bag and freeze them for a few days. This should eliminate moth larvae or any other insects clinging to the clothing.
Tips for getting rid of 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 people and animals you have at home, which is why we recommend avoiding mothballs. Try these tips instead:
- Place mosquito nets. Mosquito nets not only keep away mosquitoes, but also moths and other insects.
- Open the cabinets: Butterflies like to be in the dark. Try to open and air the cupboard frequently and thus interrupt their “rest”.
- Iron your clothes: A tip to ensure that our clothes will stay intact next year is to iron them, as the heat eliminates the larvae.
- Vacuum carpets and curtains: Make sure you vacuum your carpets regularly. Moths can cling to any fabric.
- Keep walls crack-free: If you see any in the garage or patio, seal it as soon as possible.
- Clean the closet frequently: Butterflies like dust. Clean the inside of the drawers well with a spray or soapy water then, once dry, vacuum the inside of the furniture well.
- Be careful with your suitcases: When you go on a trip, check your luggage before putting your suitcases in the closets. You may be introducing the pest into your home yourself.
- Lavender: Lavender is probably the best homemade moth repellent. 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 cupboard with it. You can also make sachets of dried lavender: they are very effective and you can put them in the clean laundry basket.
- Citrus: The orange is also an ideal fruit for making a moth repellent without resorting to chemical repellents. You can create cloth bags by inserting several dry pieces of orange or lemon peels and place them in the closet and drawers. Remember that you will need to replace the orange peel with a new one when it loses its scent.
- Laurel: Bay leaves also act as a natural remedy for moths. Spread several among the drawers and shelves of the cupboard and you will avoid an infestation of these insects. On the other hand, you can always try bay leaf oil, a very good option for protecting furniture and fabrics from annoying moths.
- cloves: Clove spice is very effective in repelling many parasites, especially moths, because 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’ll 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 diffuses the aroma of cedar. You can also place a small container containing this oil inside each shelf, being careful not to stain anything, or you can put small pieces of its bark between your clothes.
