Use Natural Moth Repellent as an Alternative to Mothballs

Have you ever picked up your favorite clothing from your closet and noticed that it has a little tiny undesirable hole?

That mysterious hole can be a sign of moth problems.

In fact, it is not the moth itself who is eating your clothing, but its larvae. Adult moths like dirty and moist environments, as well as places with enough source of food for their larvae. 

Moth larvae eat natural fiber such as cotton, wool, silk, linen, and alpaca fiber. Interestingly, they can also eat hair, pet’s fur, and feather, which make closets and pantries (depending on the specie) perfect spots for them to lay their eggs.

How to get rid of them?

The first thing that comes to our mind when we find out we are having moth problems is to buy the old and famous mothballs.

They have a peculiar, pungent smell that I don’t wonder why they keep moths away. But if you read the label and the composition of mothballs, you will see they are made of  naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, harmful components to human’s and pet’s health. 

Instead of using mothballs, you can buy or make your own natural insect repellent as an alternative to chemical products.

Here are Zesty Maids suggestions to prevent moth infestation:

How to Prevent Moth Infestation

• Keep your house clean – dirt attracts moth and other undesirable pests, so cleaning is always the first rule of thumb. 
• Clean your cleaning equipment after use – some insects, larvae, may lodge and proliferate in the cleaning tools or equipment you use. Therefore, make sure to empty and trash vacuum cleaner bags and clean or wash brushes, broom, and other tools outside. Let them dry in the sun before bringing them inside.   
• Store clothing properly – use airtight bags or sealed containers to store off-season clothing. 
• Maintain pet’s surroundings clean – maintain your pets’ environment tidy; clean your pet’s bed, toys, and garments regularly. 
• Use natural pests repellant – use natural repellant options instead of using mothballs or other chemicals. Cedar chips and herb sachets are some alternatives.

Since cedar chips and herb sachets are known as natural alternatives to mothballs, here are some ideas how you can make them.

DIY Natural Moth Repellent

You will need:

• 6 sachet bags
• 2 oz. of dried rosemary
• 2 oz. of dried lavender

Instructions: 

Combine the dried herbs in a bowl and fill the sachet bags with it. Close the bags tightly, avoiding them to spread over your closet if they fall. Place the sachet bags in your drawers, bins, and containers. You can also hang them in your closet with a drawstring or attach them to a few hangers between your clothes. Replace them in a few months or when the scent fades away. 

Suggestion: Instead of using rosemary and lavender, you can use other dried herbs such as thyme, mint, ginseng, or cedar chips. Another option is adding a few drops of essential oils – with the scents of the herbs we mentioned here – to cotton balls, and place them in some spots in your closet.

Important Note:

It is important to mention that although the sachet bags work well as natural repellant, they won’t work if there is an infestation. First, make  sure to clean your closet and your clothes to eliminate eggs and larvae, then use natural repellant to prevent them to come back. 

I hope you liked our tip for today. Leave us some comments and let us know what do you do to keep moth at bay.

If you need cleaning services, check out Zesty Maids’ website and request a free quote. 

Photo by Jonny Lew from Pexels, Image by Renee Olmsted from Pixabay, Image by gate74 from Pixabay