Managing a Moth Infestation

• Tweet
• Share
• Email

• Tweet
• Share
• Email

You are most likely facing a moth infestation if you discover holes and white larvae in stored clothing. Sort through the affected items and throw away anything you cannot salvage. Take the rest to a dry-cleaner letting the staff know about the infestation. Meanwhile, have your house exterminated for moths. Before returning cleaned clothing to the storage area, wipe off boxes, shoes and other surfaces with a damp, clean cloth and then throw away the cloth.

Natural Moth Repellents

Cedar is nature’s best known moth repellent but it is not the only one. Other natural moth repellents include lavender and dried orange peel. Do not allow them to come in contact with the fabrics that you store, but because their oils can damage textiles over time. Instead place them in open containers on closet shelves or suspend them from the ceiling in decorative, light fabric bags.

Mothballs and Crystals

While cedar repels moths, mothballs and moth crystal products will repel and kill them when used in an enclosed space. Mothballs and crystals will not kill moth eggs that are already in your clothing when it’s put into storage, so always clean clothing thoroughly before you put it away. Mothballs and moth crystals are poisonous if eaten so store them out of the reach of pets and children. It is best to suspend mothballs above clothing, the chemicals in these products emit a vapor that filters downward making this method safe as well as effective. Place mothballs or crystals in a decorative bag or clean sock and hang them from the ceiling. To counteract mothball odor, add a pomander or an herbal potpourri to the storage area.

• Tweet
• Share
• Email