How to Get Rid of Moths

How to Get Rid of Moths


Moths don't bite, buzz, or sting — but discover wriggling larvae in your cereal or chewed holes in your cashmere sweaters and it's clear that a moth infestation is nothing short of super frustrating. Eliminate these fluttering pests from your home by following these easy steps.

1. Identify what kind of moths you have.
Homeowners usually come into contact with one of two types of moths: pantry moths and clothes moths. Just like their categories imply, these insects go after different food sources in different parts of the house.

indian meal moth
An adult Indian meal moth is usually half an inch long with gray and bronze wings.
Getty
The pantry variety can include species like the Indian meal moth but most go after grains and dry goods: cereals, crackers, rice, and other stored foods, according to Orkin entomologist Chelle Hartzer. You might notice icky webbing or tiny caterpillars inside your snacks, a not-so-pleasant gift from the pupae and larvae.

common clothes moth
The common clothes moth, also called the webbing clothes moth, looks whitish-gold in color.
Getty
Clothes moths naturally like closets and wardrobes, with the caterpillars relying on natural fibers like linen, wool, silk, or fur for sustenance. Besides holes, these pests can also leave behind shed pupae skins, webbing, and frass, insect excrement that looks like large grains of sand, according to pest management brand Woodstream.

2. Start cleaning and throw out infested materials.
The first step in stopping a moth infestation is getting out the trash bags. Throw out any potentially contaminated food and get it out of the house.

If you're dealing with clothes moths, start making a laundry pile. Wash what you can with hot water and detergent, then dry on low heat to kill larvae, advises Carolyn Forte, Director of the Cleaning Products and Textiles Labs at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Dry cleaning can also debug garments.

In both the kitchen and the closet, vacuum everything: the carpet, walls, baseboards ... you name it. Then throw out the vacuum bag right away as it may contain eggs. Finally, scrub shelves and walls thoroughly.

Call in a professional if you can't identify the source of the problem. A pest control operator can also help with widespread infestations or hard-to-clean items ike moth-infested furniture or rugs.

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3. Skip the mothballs and seal everything up.
Your grandma's favorite method is on the outs now that many experts consider the chemicals — naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene — a health risk. California already considers the pesticides known carcinogens, and the European Union has banned naphthalene.

Play it safe and deter clothes moths other ways, Forte advises. Seal seasonal clothing in airtight bags; the vacuum-sealed variety are a good bet. While you can try the natural repellent cedar, don't rely on it as a quick fix or lasting remedy. The wood's oils may prevent infestations by harming small larvae, but it won't clean up existing ones and the effect loses potency after a few years.

In the pantry, stash foods in airtight containers. This has the bonus effect of deterring moisture-loving mold and other pests like ants and cockroaches. It's also a good idea to check food from the grocery store before bringing it inside too, as that's how infestations usually start.

4. Vacuum and clean regularly.
Prevent future problems with regular housekeeping. Wiping down surfaces and getting rid of dust, fibers, and crumbs will go a long way. Monitor for signs of moth activity not only in your clothes and food, but other places as well. Pantry moths often go for birdseed, Hartzer says, so keep that away from the house and garage.

According to Woodstream, clothing moths will also find homes in antiques like wool rugs, horsehair-stuffed furniture, preserved animals, piano felt, and old dolls with real hair. Check these items before you snap them up at an estate sale, and inspect them regularly afterwards. Another favorite? Pet fur, so check your dog's supplies too. Keeping a watchful eye could prevent you another major headache later on.