How Do You Get Rid Of Moths In Your House?

When there is an infestation of moths, it is comparable to a wolf that is dressed as a sheep. It may not seem like a big deal compared to other pests, but it can put you in danger financially and health-wise.

Every homemaker worth her salt knows that they will not tolerate the presence of any flying or crawling insects in their dwelling. However, preventing a moth infestation on your own can be quite challenging. Because of all the complexities involved, having a professional handle the inspection, population control efforts, and preventive is the way to go. 

For homes, moth infestations can be annoying and won't go away. In a short time, these tiny pests can grow and wreak havoc on your clothes, materials, and food storage. But if you take the correct steps, you can get rid of moths and keep them out of your home for good. This comprehensive blog will look at various strategies and tactics for effectively dealing with moth infestations.

Why Are Moths Considered A Pest?

Clothes moths are a major problem for carpets, furniture, and garments made of natural materials like silk and wool, even though they don't pose a health risk to humans. Larvae, or caterpillars, of the moth, are responsible for the damage; holes form where the carpets or clothes have been devoured. In extreme cases, the damage is permanent, leading to the complete loss of valuable items and the high expense of replacing them. An antique teddy bear, a bridal garment, or a rare artefact from a museum have all been ruined by clothes moths.

Most Common Moth Pests

Pests in your home can come in many forms, each with its unique lifetime, appearance, and habits. Below is a list of the most frequent pests to assist you recognise the one you're dealing with:

Brown House Moth

When contrasted with the clothes moth, these are far less damaging and consequential. Adult moths can reach 8 to 14 mm long, making them somewhat large. You may see three or four black specks on the brown wings. The larvae of these insects, which can reach a length of 20 mm, are known to scavenge on various foods and materials, but they are especially fond of cereal-based diets, fur, and feathers. Because of how slowly they mature from egg to adult, the pace of population expansion could be more active, typically occurring at a rate of just one generation per year.

Common Clothes Moth

This particular species of clothing moth is notoriously destructive and rather abundant in residential and commercial areas. The mature moth's wings are fringed in a consistent straw tint, measuring around 6-7mm in length. Crawling, fluttering, or resting on walls are commonplace sightings, and they prefer to run rather than fly since they avoid light. 

Larvae can reach a length of 10 mm, with brown heads and a cream body. Larvae eat on various substrates and, under ideal circumstances, require around six weeks to reach adulthood.

White-Shouldered House Moth

This month could be more important. The adult moth can be recognised by its mottled wings and unique white head, which grow 8-10mm long. Moths of this species are more common in cooler outdoor structures and provide less of a threat inside. You can view its red-headed larvae in a silk cocoon, or they're cream-coloured. Larvae of these moths feed on diverse foods; however, the adults inflict less harm on fabrics.

Case-Bearing Clothes Moth

This common pest is among the most damaging clothes moths for homes and businesses. The adult moth is approximately 6-7 mm long and shares many physical characteristics with the Common Clothes Moth; however, it is somewhat deeper in colour and has three little spots on each wing. 

The larval caterpillar of the Case-Bearing Clothes Moth forms a silken cocoon around itself, which it carries with it while it feeds and wanders about, giving the moth its name. Some have said they resemble floor grains of rice; however, upon closer inspection, you can usually make out the head sticking out of the container.

Identifying A Moth Infestation

Moths are typical for homeowners and renters in today's homes. Once they find a way into our houses, whether through food, clothing, or some other item, they remain for a while. An infestation usually starts in dark, comfortable places like closets, cabinets, and attics, even though moths are commonly imagined buzzing around lights and under lampshades. 

Eggs

The eggs of moths are so tiny that they are hard to see. Typically, you can find them on carpets in hard-to-reach places or on old, unworn clothes that contain keratin. The keratin-based substance allows the larvae to hatch safely and feed immediately.

Moth eggs are typically wrapped in a web-like substance that helps them cling to the materials mentioned earlier; they are white. You won't ever locate a solitary one; you'll see a cluster of many. You probably will see them if you're diligent about cleaning or hunting for moths, but it's still good to be prepared.

Holes In Fabrics And Clothes

Moths are long-lived pests that ruin perfectly good garments. They make a name for themselves by gnawing holes in clothes. This is a telltale symptom of an infestation. The primary offender here is the moth species called the common clothes moth, which got its name for this reason. 

The clothes moth is mostly a wool eater, although it will also consume leather, felt, silk, fur, and other animal fibre materials. The materials offer food for moths and their larvae because they contain the fibrous protein keratin. Keratin is also found in human hair and nails.

Rugs and carpets are another common target for carpet moths, who feed on wool and silk, among other animal fibres. They commonly skip over the worn spots and focus on a carpet or rug's plusher, more delicate regions. Because they are dark and rarely touched, the spaces under couches and chairs pose the greatest threat. Moths also find these places to be ideal for egg-laying. If your carpet is damaged, you likely have a carpet moth infestation.

Cocoons And Larvae

Like butterflies, moths undergo metamorphosis from larvae to adult moths, a process that involves the construction of a cocoon. The moth larvae remain cloistered around their eggs for six months when they feed and seek refuge in the warm, dark materials where they were set. Most of the wear and tear on your carpets and clothes happens around this period.

Larvae are extremely small and difficult to identify, similar to moth eggs. They absorb the hues of their foods and have a translucent, pale tint. Because of this, they will blend in with their environment and will be extremely difficult to spot unless you seek them out.

Cocoons are around the same size as larvae but have a similar colour—pale and somewhat see-through. You should look around for moth larvae and cocoons if you find holes in your clothing that don't seem to belong to any particular pattern.

Holes In Packed Food.

When you look in your cupboards and see holes in your dry food or powdery things at the bottom of the packing, it's a sure sign of a moth infestation. Dried foods, including grains, nuts, wheat, and cereal, pose the biggest threat. You might hear these moths called "food moths" or "pantry moths" since they prey on food.

When you detect holes in your food packing, it's too late; the same is true for all the symptoms; you already have a moth problem. This also implies that you should avoid eating food in a damaged package. Do the opposite and dispose of it immediately.

Tips On How To Get Rid Of Moths 

Several methods for removing moth larvae and adults from your house are detailed below.

Moth Traps

These items aim to prevent moth reproduction by capturing and killing adult moths. Moth traps are comprised of sticky flypaper that has been treated with moth pheromones to entice the adults. Once they land on the paper, moths can't get off and will perish. Moth traps should be hung in dark, enclosed spaces, like kitchen cabinets or closets, where moths often congregate.

Cedar Oil

Moths can be kept at bay using cedar furniture, although the scent of the cedar oil will fade with time. Consequently, consider using cedar oil as an alternative. Two ways to disperse the cedar oil's aroma are to put it in a diffuser, mix it with water, and spray it over the room.

Regular Vacuuming

Since moths are attracted to filth and dust, maintaining your home clean and dust-free will discourage them from entering. Pay close attention to any fissures or cracks you may see when vacuuming. Because they don't want their eggs disturbed, moths usually deposit them in inconvenient places. To further expedite the removal of any eggs or larvae from the house, empty the vacuum and dispose of the garbage immediately after cleaning.

White Vinegar

By altering the pH values of surfaces it touches, white vinegar is a natural cleansing agent. The acidic atmosphere makes it impossible for moth eggs and larvae to survive if exposed to white vinegar. It is important to exercise caution while using white vinegar in the home because it has the potential to cause damage to some surfaces, including stone worktops, hardwood floors, and metals.

Extreme Heat

Eggs and larvae of moths are likewise incapable of surviving exceedingly high temperatures. Be cautious to check the labels on your garments to determine whether or not it is acceptable to wash and dry them at high temperatures. When using the washer and dryer, utilising the maximum heat settings available is recommended. Dry cleaning can provide the same or comparable level of protection for garments that cannot be washed in a machine.

Cedarwood

Using mothballs to keep moths out of closets was a common practice in ancient days. There were pesticides in these little balls, including naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene, which are now known to be dangerous to human health.

Because of the moth-repelling properties of the fragrant oil found in cedarwood, it is now favoured by many. Although these hangers effectively ward off moths, you'll need to quickly sand or recoat them with cedar oil every few months to keep them that way.

Extreme Cold

The eggs and larvae of moths cannot survive in exceedingly cold temperatures. Therefore, a person can attempt freezing any clothes that exhibit evidence of moth damage. This is an interesting option. Freeze the garments for twenty-four hours after placing them inside a ziplock bag.

Pest Control

Keeping a moth infestation at bay can be difficult sometimes, and home remedies are not always sufficient. In that case, you should consider employing a pest control company to deal with the issue.

Ways To Avoid Moths

To prevent moths from ever entering your home, follow the following advice.

Select Smart Storage

Moths can squeeze into the tiniest of crevices. Woven wool is best protected from pests when stored in a resealable plastic bag or box. Before putting them away:

1. Wrap them in clean cotton swatches to prevent moisture.
2. Be wary of storing things in plastic containers for more than a few months at a period, as this prevents air circulation and, in the case of some plastics, may cause fabric degradation.
3. Enquire the best methods of conserving priceless belongings with an expert textile restorer.

Launder Before Storing.

Wearable items should be washed or dry-cleaned before winter gear is packed away for storage. This not only gets rid of moth eggs, but it also gets rid of sweat stains, food spills, and other things bugs love. You should clean synthetic or cotton items and wool-made ones before storing them because moths won't consume them.

Maintain A Clean Home

Since moth larvae avoid direct sunlight, they seldom prey on carpets or clothes worn often and see enough light. If there are food stains or other alluring aromas, they will thrive in stuffed garments and buried carpet portions behind furniture. Which approach is ideal? Make sure that everything is kept clean at all times.

Apply Coatings Outside.

Avoid paying for dry cleaning services to protect wool winter coats you seldom wear from moth larvae. However, pest infestations are possible if left unattended. Here, an old-fashioned method that has proven beneficial is worth a go: Outdoors, on a sunny day, give the garments a good brushing, paying specific attention to the areas around the collars and seams.

The process should eliminate the eggs and larvae, which are so few that you won't even notice them. This garment should not be packed with other goods that have been washed or dried in case you overlook any bugs or their eggs. 

Conclusion

For homeowners, moth infestations can pose a serious risk to both health and finances. They can rip holes in the fabric and leave behind irreversible damage to carpets, furniture, and natural textiles like wool and silk. The damage is caused by the moth larvae, also known as caterpillars, which can take many different forms. Some examples of these moths are brown house moths, common clothing moths, white-shouldered house moths, and clothes moths that bear cases.

Moths can be spotted swarming around lights and under lampshades, although they are usually found in cosy, dark spaces like closets, cabinets, and attics. Their little and elusive eggs are frequently discovered on worn-out, old carpets or keratin-coated clothing. These are white eggs that are covered with a coating that resembles a web and helps them stick to the surfaces. They can be found in places where moths are conscientious about cleaning or seeking for other moths, and they are typically observed in clusters.

Long-lived parasites called clothes moths eat holes in perfectly nice clothes, ruining them. The main culprit is the common clothing moth, which mostly consumes textiles made of animal fibres such as fur, felt, wool, leather, and silk. Among other animal fibres, carpet moths are a frequent meal source. They consume both wool and silk. Especially under couches and chairs, they tend to ignore worn areas of carpets and rugs in favour of softer, more delicate areas.

In conclusion, moth infestations can be expensive and annoying, but they can be avoided from harming your house with the right management. You can efficiently deal with moth infestations and permanently keep them out of your home by using these ideas and tactics.

Moths create a cocoon around their eggs throughout their transition from larvae to adults. Their translucent, pale hue makes them small and challenging to distinguish. Although they are comparable in size, cocoons are coloured palely and somewhat translucently. If you see holes in garments that don't fit into any pattern, look for cocoons and larvae of moths.

Content Summary

• Moth infestations can pose financial and health dangers, often underestimated.
• Professional help is advised for effective moth infestation management and prevention.
• Moths can rapidly damage clothes, materials, and food storage in homes.
• Clothes moths target natural materials like silk and wool, causing irreversible damage.
• The Brown House Moth prefers cereal-based diets and is less damaging than clothes moths.
• The Common Clothes Moth is particularly destructive, avoiding light and preferring to crawl.
• The White-Shouldered House Moth poses less threat indoors and is more common in cooler areas.
• The Case-Bearing Clothes Moth's larvae create a noticeable silken cocoon.
• Moth eggs, difficult to spot, are typically laid in dark, undisturbed areas.
• Holes in fabrics are a clear sign of moth infestation, especially from the Common Clothes Moth.
• Moth larvae and cocoons, challenging to detect, cause most damage during their development.
• Holes in packed food indicate a problem with pantry moths, requiring immediate action.
• Moth traps use pheromones to attract and capture adult moths, preventing reproduction.
• Cedar oil, as a natural repellent, can be used in diffusers or as a spray to deter moths.
• Regular vacuuming helps remove moth eggs and larvae from hidden spots.
• White vinegar creates an acidic environment that's inhospitable to moth larvae.
• Exposing clothes and materials to extreme heat can kill moth eggs and larvae.
• Cedarwood, a natural moth repellent, requires periodic maintenance to remain effective.
• Freezing clothes for 24 hours in a ziplock bag is an alternative method to kill moth larvae.
• Professional pest control may be necessary for severe or persistent moth infestations.
• Storing woollens in airtight containers can prevent moth damage.
• Cleaning items before storage removes moth attractants like sweat stains and food spills.
• Moth larvae thrive in dark, undisturbed areas, making cleanliness key to prevention.
• Brushing garments outdoors can remove eggs and larvae, especially from rarely worn items.
• Preventing moth entry involves careful storage and maintenance of vulnerable items.
• Monitoring for signs of infestation helps in early detection and management.
• Identifying the specific type of moth can inform the best treatment approach.
• Maintaining a clean home environment discourages moth infestations.
• Properly sealing food items can prevent pantry moth invasions.
• Investing in moth deterrents like cedar or moth traps can protect valuables.
• Understanding moth behaviour and preferences aids in creating effective prevention strategies.
• Professional inspections can identify risks and vulnerabilities in the home.
• Educating oneself on the moth lifecycle helps in targeting interventions effectively.
• Sealing cracks and crevices reduces potential moth entry points.
• Periodic checks of stored items can catch early signs of moth activity.
• Using natural repellents like cedar oil is a safer alternative to chemical mothballs.
• Freezing or heating treatments offer non-toxic ways to eliminate moth larvae.
• Regular laundering of clothes and linens minimises moth attractants.
• Careful storage of seasonal clothing can prevent off-season moth damage.
• Immediate action upon spotting signs of moths can prevent widespread damage.
• Consulting with pest control professionals can provide customised solutions.
• Implementing a combination of strategies increases the effectiveness of moth control.
• Awareness of the risks associated with moth infestations prompts proactive measures.
• Traditional methods like brushing garments outside remain effective.
• Continuous vigilance is required to maintain a moth-free environment.
• The impact of moths extends beyond mere annoyance to potential financial loss.
• Educating family members on prevention techniques can reinforce efforts.
• Regular updates on pest control methods can introduce more effective strategies.
• Understanding the specific needs of different fabrics can guide proper care and storage.
• Moth prevention is an ongoing task requiring attention to detail and regular maintenance.