How to Safely Get Rid of Moths

If you have moths in your home - you have a problem. Lucky for you, however, it is a pretty easy problem to solve with just a little bit of effort and without a huge expense.

If you need to get rid of moths you could go with a traditional approach by putting mothballs in your closets and cupboards, however there are potentially safer methods that are equally effective. In spite of being a commonly used method of getting rid of moth infestations, recent medical studies indicate it might not be the safest (for humans and pets) method available to kill moths. Mothballs contain Naphthalene which can kill red blood cells when ingested or even when inhaled. It has also been cited as a potential carcinogen for humans.

Moths are by nature repelled by cedar oil so storing clothes in cedar-lined chests and closets can protect textile items. Cedar may need to be retreated with cedar oil about once a year to maintain its effectiveness as a moth repellent. Cedar oils are available in stores and are also available for purchase through online sources. (I have even found cedar oil on eBay. It is not too hard to locate with a basic Internet search.)

Moths also naturally prefer dark areas so placing one of the new energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs in closets and basements - and leaving it turned on - is naturally repellent to moths. Running a dehumidifier creates an atmosphere that is uncomfortable to moths. Clothes moths prefer a high relative humidity so running a good dehumidifier and adding a light source removes their naturally preferred environment.

You will also want to frequently vacuum any areas where you see signs of moth infestations because the moth life cycle is about 6 weeks. This means even if you get rid of every moth in your house today - their eggs can keep hatching for six weeks. Frequent vacuuming makes sure you catch them before they start a new colony.

Pantry moths can be a challenge to get rid of because they get into tiny crevasses and any grain-based products. Even food that appears to be well sealed can become infested because they get in through any tiny air hole. Then, on top of that, most people do not want to risk spraying any kind of dangerous pesticide around their food. If you get moths in your pantry you will probably want to dispose of any grain-based food because it is really the only way you can be sure that you and your family won't end up eating moth larvae. Then thoroughly scrub the cupboard and all containers with detergent and hot water and use a vinegar rinse. You can put out pheromone sticky traps - like EnviroSafe's Pantry Moth Trap - to prevent re-infestation after scrubbing the pantry area.

Sources

http://www.getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-moths.htm

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