The 9 Best Moth Repellents of 2023 (2024)

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This assortment pack from Home Essentials is without a doubt our top choice. It is available in sets of 56, 71, or 96 and contains a variety of eastern red cedar deterrents for you to place around your home to ward off unwanted visitors. With rings, cubes, and hangable hooks, these kiln-dried pieces offer a pleasant scent while keeping your space moth-free.

The different shapes and sizes mean you can hang them directly in the closet, place them in drawers or cabinets, or any indoor space that could use extra protection. It is important to remember that this product will not kill existing moths and is more useful as a preventative tool. After two months of testing, we did not find a single moth in sight, and we enjoyed the light cedar scent it left in our closets and drawers.

In contrast to chemical moth balls, cedar is non-toxic, making it a natural alternative.

_{Type: Cedar pieces | Intended Use: Closets/dressers}

If you've had enough of moths destroying your favorite garments and want a low-cost solution, consider the Enoz Para Moth Balls. The small balls contain paradichlorobenzene, which slowly releases a gas that kills moths and their eggs and larvae over time. Garment bags, dressers, and plastic bins are all good places to place these moth balls to keep moths at bay. This product can treat up to 12.5 cubic feet, so it's also great for confined closets.

It is important to use them safely and as directed because they can harm humans and animals if inhaled or ingested in large doses.

_{Type: Mothballs | Intended Use: Closets/dressers/storage}

SLA Cedar Scented Spray is a powerful weapon in the war against moths. In addition to killing moths and their larvae, the pyrethrins and other pesticides can also kill ants, co*ckroaches, bedbugs, spiders, and many other insects. It comes in a 15-ounce aerosol that must be shaken before spraying at the affected area from 12 to 15 inches away. It’s not just for closets and can be used just about anywhere in your home, including rugs and furniture, since it’s non-staining.

This product's nice cedar aroma and three-month lifespan are major selling points as an alternative to moss balls, which often leave a lingering scent. Although there are cheaper moth repellents on the market, it is still a fair price for a product that effectively eliminates moths and other insects. Like any pesticide, you want to avoid spaces where kids and pets may eat, sleep, or play.

_{Type: Spray | Intended Use: Closet/carpet/upholstery}

The simple design of the Moth Prevention Powerful Clothes Moth Traps understates how powerful they are at preventing and eliminating clothes moths. The traps feature sheets coated with odorless pheromones that moths find irresistible while remaining safe for you and your family.

They can be hung in closets, dressers, or any area of the home where clothes moths lurk. The trap has multiple entry points through which the moths can enter. The only downside is that, like any trap, eliminating all moths can take a while.

_{Type: Traps | Intended Use: Closet/dresser}

If the smell of cedar reminds you too much of hamster bedding from the pet store, try the relaxing scent of lavender instead. Richard’s Moth Away Sachets contain 24 little bags filled with dried lavender flowers. Lavender, either dried in sachets or fresh, can deter moths in your wardrobe. You can stow them away in your closet, shoes, or dresser drawers and use them as air fresheners.

Keep in mind that lavender won’t kill or get rid of your existing moth problem. You may need extra measures, such as moth balls or traps, to address your issue.

_{Type: Lavender sachets | Intended Use: Closet/dresser}

You'll need a different approach if you're dealing with pantry moths, which love dry foods like cereals and flours. Dr. Killigan’s pantry moth traps use pheromones to attract meal moths to a sticky paper demise. The product can be hung in your pantry or on cabinet shelves. The traps will round up the existing moth population and put an end to further egg-laying. When the traps are full, they can simply be thrown away. Keep in mind that these traps are only effective against meal moths.

Although the traps are efficient, they take considerably longer to eliminate the pest problem than a spray. However, pheromone traps are free of pyrethrins, so they are safe around food, pets, and children.

_{Type: Trap | Intended Use: Pantry}

For a chemical-free offering, Armour Shell Lavender Sachet and Cedar Bags are a lovely set, almost gift-worthy. It comes with 20 sachets, with 10 containing lavender flowers and 10 having cedar chips. Lavender and cedar oil are both natural insect and arachnid repellents, so having both will increase your defenses against fabric-eating moths and spiders. You’ll also enjoy the aroma of lavender, which is known to be a soothing and comforting scent that is both pleasant and uplifting.

To use, place the sachets anywhere you feel the need for extra protection. While these highly scented sachets will keep moths and other pests away, they will not be able to kill those currently residing.

_{Type: Sachets | Intended Use: Closet/dresser}

While most traps and repellents out there are either for pantry or clothes moths, Eon Care traps offer an effective solution for both. The traps feature pheromones attracting case-bearing clothes, Indian meal moths, and web-spinning clothing moths. The traps are effective because they attract male moths, thus preventing mating and further spreading the infestation. It's simple to set up traps in concealed areas like the pantry, the closet, or the dresser's drawers.

Since it uses pheromones, you do not have to worry about harsh chemicals or hazards to pets and children. Each trap offers up to 12 weeks of protection against moth infestation. Like other pheromone traps, it does not act as a repellent and may not catch all moths present.

_{Type: Trap | Intended Use: Closet/dresser/pantry}

This cedar wood product can be used to ward off moths in various storage spaces thanks to its ring shape, making it ideal for use on hangers, dressers, and even in footwear. Your gym bag may be safe from moths, but you can also use these cedar rings to eliminate any lingering odor before you work up a sweat. Because cedar wood naturally repels insects and spiders, it may be helpful in repelling moths, ants, and termites. Cedar wood is also absorbent, which can be placed in bags or storage containers to prevent mildew or moisture from becoming a problem over time.

The drawback of cedar is that it won't help get rid of existing moths, like moth balls or traps.

_{Type: Cedar pieces | Intended Use: Closet/dresser}

Final Verdict

FAQ

• How long do repellents last?

  The mileage varies with the type of product that you purchase. Generally, cedar wood retains its scent for years if kept in good condition. It can be sanded down to release more fragrance if desired. Lavender does not last as long, but it usually provides at least three months of scent, depending on where it’s kept. Add a few drops of essential oil to the mix if your lavender sachets have lost their potency. The smells ward off moths while keeping your clothes smelling fresh.

• Does moth repellent kill moths and eggs?

  Moth repellent keeps moths from nesting and destroying your clothing items. Repellents for moths are not lethal, but they encourage them to pack their bags and leave. Most insects are sensitive to scents, especially strong botanical ones like lavender and cedar wood.

• What causes moth infestations?

  Like bed bugs, the most common way moths enter the home is by carrying infected items into the house. Food that was not sealed correctly, brought from storage, or clothing from an estate sale can all be culprits. Once taking up residence, unsealed food containers or old clothing in a closet are open invitations to moths.

  “If you find fabric damage, eggs, or clothing moths in your closet, try vacuuming up the visible pests. Then launder all clothing in the affected area to ensure no moths or eggs remain. Before putting your clean clothes back in the space, be sure to vacuum and clean the area thoroughly,” says Jim Fredericks at the National Pest Management Association.

The 9 Best Bug Repellents of 2023, Tested and Reviewed