Food moths and clothing moths are very common insects that like to nest in our cupboards. Unfortunately, if they are not dangerous, moths are never welcome, because they make holes in textiles and lay eggs in packets of flour and other food products. The good news is that there are very simple natural solutions to combat their presence in our homes. Let’s do a check in.
Herbal solutions to fight against moths
Several plants are natural moth repellents. Very effective, they repel them and prevent these small parasites from settling in our homes.
- The Cedar : cedar is a very effective species against moths, because its strong but pleasant smell is a natural repellent against these insects. You can place pieces of this wood in your clothes or food cupboards or hang commercially available cedar balls. Whatever the support chosen, do not hesitate to sand it from time to time to continue its effectiveness.
- Lavender : Lavender is an essence very appreciated by humans, but hated by moths. Arrange small bouquets in your food and clothing cupboards to prevent them from settling there. Let them dry well beforehand to prevent the flowers from staining your textiles.
- Mint : this other smell pleasant to man is too strong to be tolerated by moths. Place mint leaves in cups that you will place in your cupboards or pour a few drops of mint essential oil on a cloth that you will dispose of in the same way.
- Thyme : if thyme is very popular in the kitchen, it is also a good repellent against moths. Form small bouquets that you will let dry then place them in your cupboards.
- Clove : cloves are a very effective spice in repelling a whole host of pests, including moths. Arrange a few cloves in cups to be placed in the cupboards or, better still, plant some in an orange or lemon. You will enjoy the delicious smell of the mixture and you will repel intruders at the same time.
- Rosemary : rosemary is also a plant hated by moths. Let a few leaves dry and slip them into a cloth bag. Place these in food or clothing cupboards and moths won’t lodge there!
- The lemon : this essential citrus fruit in the house is known for its cleaning, anti-limestone, degreasing and disinfecting properties. But it is also a very good moth repellent. Cut a few slices of lemon and place them in a bowl. Place these in closets where moths tend to nest. They won’t bother you anymore!
Many essential oils also naturally repel food and clothing moths. Mint, lavender, eucalyptus, camphor, thyme, cedar, rosemary, lemon, cade… put a few drops on pieces of cotton or fabric and place them in your cupboards. Moths won’t dare put a paw on it!
Other natural mothproofing solutions
In addition to plant-based solutions, there are other natural solutions to combat moths.
- Marseille soap and Aleppo soap : grate a few shavings of Marseille or Aleppo soap and place them in a dish. You will scare away moths while perfuming your home.
- The vacuum cleaner : Remember to vacuum regularly, especially on surfaces that attract moths. Carpets, textiles, baseboards, cupboards… don’t forget anything and if you find moths, throw the bag away after closing it tightly.
- Air out your cupboards from time to time and dust them if necessary. You will avoid attracting moths.
- wash your clothes infested to eliminate moths. A washing temperature of 50°C is sufficient to eliminate them. Only store your clean clothes in your closets, because moths prefer old and worn ones.
- Out of season clothes and those that you hardly ever wear should be placed under an airtight cover so as not to attract moths.
- If moths have invaded your packages of pasta, rice or flour, place them in the freezer to eliminate larvae and eggs.
- Save your food in airtight containers.
Photo credit: Olaf Leillinger