Moths can be a mystery to homeowners. To determine the best way to get rid of moths, you’ll need to learn how to identify the types of moths and eggs you might be seeing in your home, how to prevent these bothersome insects from damaging your home, and how to treat your home to get rid of these common household pests.
Where Do Moths Come From?
Moths generally make their way into your home in product packaging you bring home from a store or warehouse. Some moths may hatch over time in items which you have stored for an extended period of time, like birdseed. Usually, an infestation in your closet can be traced back to a single article of clothing (so wash that sweater from the thrift store before you put it in your closet!)
Identifying and Treating Pantry Moths and Larvae
Some common moths you may have in your home are pantry pests which infest your flour and grain storage containers. Although these insects can actually include several different types of creatures, including weevils and beetles, the most common moths found in pantries are Indian meal moths.
Indian meal moths have two-toned tan and copper-colored wings. You may notice these pests on walls, counters, and ceilings. Indian meal moths enjoy feasting on your nuts, chocolate, powdered milk, cereal, crackers, dog food, bird seed, dried fruit, and other grain products. Most active at night, Indian meal moths can also be spotted during the day. If you see a moth flying, you probably have a breeding population that has taken up residence in one of your food containers.
To rid your pantry of these pests, follow these steps:
- Identify which package brought in the infestation.
- Wrap the infested package tightly in a plastic bag and throw it away immediately in your outside trash bin.
- Thoroughly clean the pantry by removing everything.
- Vacuum out the crumbs and other food waste and replace the vacuum cleaner bag when you are finished.
- Scrub the shelves with a surface cleaner.
- Replace your shelf liner, if you have one.
In some severe cases, you may consider carefully applying pest control products to the corners and cracks where food is stored.
Clothes Moths and Where They Hide
Clothes moths don’t like light, so you are less likely to see these pests in and around your home. These moth species are similar in appearance to Indian meal moths, but are smaller with golden wings. While adult moths are harmless, their eggs are not, damaging clothing and carpet. Moths lay eggs in secluded spots with fibers such as wool, silk, carpet, fur, down, and pet dander. Larvae emerge within a few weeks and can cause damage for a couple of months.
Larvae will not likely harm your most frequently worn clothing (i.e. winter jackets) or your heavily trafficked carpets (i.e. hallways) since they are exposed to light. Instead, they choose fibers that are packed away or hidden under furniture. Food spills and other attractive scents also attract moths. You can spot moth larvae by their spongy web-like layer or cigar-like cocoons on woolen items.
Year-Round Proactive Measures
Weekly use of a high-powered vacuum on carpets and quick cleanup of spills can reduce the chance that moths can find your best clothes and bedding. Vacuuming removes moth larvae from carpets before they have the opportunity to hatch. Laundering in hot water and dry cleaning removes moth eggs, perspiration remnants and food spills, which can also attract pests. On clothing such as dresses or suits that you cannot easily launder or vacuum, use an iron or blow dryer instead to kill moths and their eggs.
Spring Cleaning
If you have winter items that you haven’t worn, take the items outside on a sunny day and brush them well, especially along the seams and under the collar. Doing this should remove the small larvae, which are rarely visible. Pack this clothing that you have brushed outside separately from freshly laundered or dry-cleaned items as a mothproofing measure. Then store them in either reclosable plastic bags or plastic storage boxes.
When you are going through clothing in between seasons, take the time to remove your clothing from your closet and give the space a thorough inspection and cleaning for moths and other pests. As a part of this effort, vacuum thoroughly, even on the ceiling, to remove any remaining eggs or larvae.
Natural Moth Prevention Methods
There are a few natural ways to prevent moths from gaining a foothold in your home. While they do not have the power to kill moth eggs or larvae, you can ward off pests naturally with cedar or lavender.
Cedar – Red cedar contains natural oils that kill only young clothes moth larvae. The effectiveness of this method also fades as the scent does. Cedar scent can be re-applied to boards, closets, and chests by sanding the wood lightly or dabbing on cedar oil. Keep clean fabric inside and wrap items in clean cotton before storing them.
Lavender – Found as a dried flower and in sachets and oils. Use a sachet suspended in your drawers or closet to protect clothing and bedding. An added bonus is the scent. Make your own by filling fabric pouches, tea bags or even wiffle balls. Here are a few ideas to get you started from Pinterest.
Moths can’t survive in your freezer, so if you need to treat a cherished or sentimental item of clothing, put it inside of a plastic bag and freeze it for two weeks to kill any moth larvae.
Remember mothballs and moth crystals? While they stop infestations, they contain pesticides that can be harmful to people, unborn babies, and pets. If you choose to purchase them, use them in tight-fitting containers only so that the strong odor cannot escape and air out your clothing before you wear it.
Solving an Egg Infestation Problem
What if you already have moths and eggs in your clothes, carpet or pantry? Here are some things you can do:
- Remove and treat all infested material.
- Dry clean or launder items that you plan to keep.
- Clean carpets and rugs with a household spray made especially for these pests, conducting a spot test to make sure it doesn’t affect your carpet’s color. Treat both sides of the carpet (if possible) as well as the rug pad.
- Add pheromone-laced cardboard traps to check to see if moths remain.
Let Us Help You Get Rid of Moths
If treating moths and their larvae sounds easy, you’ve got it handled. If not, trust the pest control experts at ABC to help you get rid of the pests both inside and outside and keep them away, year after year.