Ask the Pharmacist: How to get rid of moths (2024)
Let me start with I’m not really a bug lover, or a tree hugger type of person. But I don’t see the need to kill certain creatures just because they got lost and found their way into my home. I will try to trap and free certain things, depending on how big they are.
But the moths are creating marital stress. Sam is skittish about doing bug removal, but the agreement we had when we got married in the state of Florida, was that he would deal with all co*ckroaches and spiders, if I would deal with the snakes and mice. While there have been tense stares over the past 22 years of marriage, I will vouch for his ability to perfectly execute his husbandly tasks, lol!
Nothing was discussed about the moths. Apparently, this is my new full-time job. We live in Colorado where every spring, there’s a situation! The migration of moths begins here and in Kansas, and flies over our state, westward.
You can try to chase moths out of your house, but this takes patience. Find one on your window, and put a cup over him, and then slide a sheet of paper between the cup and the glass. Very carefully lift this, and free the moth outside. There’s one aggressive sucker is in my bathroom, so I decided to make my own moth repellant spray. The essential oils can be purchased anywhere.
Try my formula for a moth spray and spritz it in your closet, your bedroom or kitchen, or anywhere, and it will repel them from coming into that specific area. It will scare away most bugs for that matter!
Spray every few hours. Adjust the scent to your liking. For example, add less eucalyptus and more lavender if you find my formula too zingy for you. Don’t spray it directly on your clothes.
Moth repellent spray
Water 4 ounces
Essential oil of cedar – 20 to 30 drops
Essential oil of lavender - 10 to 20 drops
Essential oil of peppermint - 5 to 10 drops
Essential oil of eucalyptus - 10 to 20 drops
Optional: Citronella essential oil - 5 drops
Directions: Pour water into the spray bottle and add the essential oils. If you don’t like the scent, add something to it that you do like, such as Wild Orange or Lemon essential oil. Spray as desired into the room, or window sills, door frames and areas where you see a moth.
In closing, there are many ways to get rid of moths. You definitely don’t want these things laying eggs in your home because when they hatch, you’ll be faced with a big infestation. They can’t live more than a few days without feeding on plants or leaves. Another idea is to buy fresh rosemary or thyme herb, and bundle it, and lay it in the closet, or the bathroom because the moths won’t like that, and they’ll stay away. For that matter, you can add those two essential oils to your moth spritzer.
Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist. The information presented here is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any condition. Visit SuzyCohen.com.
Air, heat, or freeze items you don't dry-clean or wash. A combination of sunlight and vigorously brushing the infested items can kill moth eggs and larvae. But this can be dirty work; expect to get grimy, and take care not to track eggs or larvae back into your home.
Cedar wood rings in your wardrobe or drawers can help deter moths. Spritz carpets with lavender. Make a natural repellent by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to water in a spray bottle. Shake well then spray your carpet and clothes lightly.
Create a barrier and put your clothes in plastic or vacuum bags. "Nothing can't live there because there's no oxygen. Even just sealing them well and airtight will reduce the possibility of moths getting in," adds Kern. These bags can hold blankets, linen, sweaters and other bulky items.
Vinegar is a fantastic natural moth-killing option because its acidity makes it capable of killing moth eggs and removing lingering pheromones. You can also safely spray a vinegar and water solution on most fabrics, although you might want to do a spot test first to make sure that any fabric dyes will not be affected.
Remove everything from your wardrobe and drawers. Wash what can be washed and dry clean everything else. To be safe, this includes bedding, drapes and curtains which are in the same room. Vacuum your wardrobe, drawers, carpets, floors and all surrounding areas thoroughly.
Vinegar is ideal for deterring moths. They have a super-sensitive sense of smell, designed to help them find food. The acrid smell of vinegar makes moths uncomfortable and encourages them to move on, explains Nate Nead, principal pest control expert at Bentonville Pest.
Moths won't respond to a yellow light if they are at a distance as it appears very faint. Therefore, most people buy yellow light bulbs as there will be fewer moths in their homes.
Transfer bulk items from plastic bags to sturdy glass or plastic containers. Pantry moth larvae can chew through plastic and Ziploc bags to access food.
To keep moths out of your pantry goods, it is best to use solid glass or plastic containers with sealable lids. Make sure that all of the lids have an airtight or rubber seal. This will prevent moths from being able to squeeze through. Plastic zipper bags can also be used for food storage.
Scented with Lavender, Patchouli, Lemongrass, and Eucalyptus, either hang the bag in your wardrobe or leave in your drawers to repel moths and scent your clothes.
'White vinegar is a natural cleansing agent that changes the pH levels of surfaces that it touches, and moth eggs and larvae exposed to white vinegar cannot survive in the acidic environment,' he explains. 'You could, therefore, use a sponge or rag to apply vinegar to a surface or apply with a spray bottle.
"Clothes moths can enter homes by hiding out in clothing, furniture or home goods purchased from thrift stores, garage sales or consignment shops; and pantry moths can enter via eggs laid in foods like flour, cereal, beans and dried fruit," added Tucker.
Residual moth sprays can be incredibly effective for killing moth larvae and eggs. You can also kill moth larvae and eggs using hot soapy water or by freezing them for at least 72 hours. Things that kill moth eggs and larvae include: Extreme temperatures (like freezing them in a freezer for 72 hours)
If you notice moths in your house and don't know where they are coming from, you may want to check your attic, garage, or pantry. Moths also sometimes live underneath carpets or inside of walls. If you see many small moths fluttering about, it might be time to go through your pantry goods.
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