Moth larvae can gnaw through clothing, other fabrics and foodstuffs, and these insects can also cause allergic reactions. Cleaning and storage techniques as well as natural products can help get rid of them. Mites are a type of winged insect that plays an important role in pollination. There are approximately 160,000 species of moths in the world. Here you will find 10 tips for eliminating moths from the house. We also describe how moths can be dangerous to your health, and when to call a professional.
10 tips to eliminate moths from the house
1. Vacuum regularly
Dirt and dust can attract moths indoors, so keeping everything clean and dust-free can help discourage moths from entering the home. When vacuuming, pay special attention to cracks and crevices. Moths tend to lay their eggs in hard-to-reach places where they are less likely to be disturbed.
Also, be sure to empty the vacuum cleaner and take out the trash soon after cleaning to get the eggs and larvae out of the house as soon as possible.
2. Moth traps
These products are designed to trap and kill adult moths, preventing them from reproducing. Moth traps are pieces of sticky fly paper covered in moth pheromones to attract adults. Moths that land on the paper are unable to free themselves and eventually die. Hang moth traps in places that tend to attract moths, such as inside cupboards or kitchen storage areas.
3. Cedar wood
Mothballs were once a popular method of keeping moths away from closets. These small balls contained pesticides, such as mothballs or paradichlorobenzene, which experts now consider harmful to health. Today, they recommend using cedarwood because the fragrant oil it contains helps repel moths. Hangers made from this wood can help keep moths away from clothes, but they should be lightly sanded or coated with cedar oil every few months to renew their pesticidal properties.
4. Cedar Oil
Cedar furniture can also help repel moths, but the scent of the cedar oil it contains fades over time. For this reason, a person may wish to try cedar oil instead. To diffuse the scent of cedar oil, add it to a diffuser or dilute it in water and use the mixture as a room spray.
5. Aromatic herbs
Several fragrant herbs can help repel moths, including:
Rosemary
thyme
cloves
lavender
bay leaves
Try placing the herbs in a small cloth bag and hanging it in the closet. You can also dilute the essential oils from the herbs in water and lightly spray the inside of the cupboard with this mixture.
However, be careful not to get the oils on the clothes, as this could stain them.
6. White vinegar
White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that changes the pH of surfaces it touches. Moth eggs and larvae exposed to white vinegar cannot survive in an acidic environment. Be careful when using white vinegar at home, as it can damage certain surfaces, such as metals, stone countertops, and hardwood floors.
7. Extreme cold
Moth eggs and larvae cannot survive in extremely cold temperatures. A person can therefore try to freeze any clothes that show signs of moth damage.
Seal the clothes in a zip-top bag and freeze them for 24 hours.
8. Extreme heat
Moth eggs and larvae also cannot survive extremely high temperatures. Check clothing labels to make sure they can be washed and dried at high temperatures. If possible, use the highest heat settings on the washer and dryer. For clothes that cannot be machine washed, dry cleaning can have the same protective effect.
9. Store clothes efficiently
To avoid a moth infestation, carefully enclose all clothing that will not be worn regularly in airtight bags, such as vacuum storage bags. Also try to keep the closet cool, dry and well ventilated to deter moths from laying their eggs there.
10. Pest Control
Sometimes household strategies aren’t enough to keep a moth infestation in check. In this case, consider hiring a pest control company to tackle the infestation.
Risks of allergies
If signs of an allergic skin reaction follow any contact with moths, moths or their larvae, contact a physician. He will provide treatments to help reduce inflammation and irritation.
In rare cases, inhaling moth hairs can cause a severe allergic reaction, anaphylaxis. The signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis are:
urticaria
swelling
abdominal pain
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
a hoarse voice
tightness of the throat
difficulty breathing
a rapid heartbeat
low blood pressure
dizziness
fainting
a feeling of unhappiness
cardiac arrest
Symptoms of anaphylaxis come on suddenly and can get worse quickly. Anyone who may experience this reaction should seek emergency medical attention.
Résumé
As pollinators, moths are an important part of the ecosystem. But they can be a nuisance or cause health problems when they come into contact with people and their property. Moth larvae can devour clothing and food supplies. Insects can also trigger allergic reactions, which can be serious. There are several ways to prevent or eliminate a moth infestation, including regular vacuuming, using cedar products, and storing clothes in cool, dry, well-ventilated places. If these measures are not effective, consider contacting a pest control company.