How to get rid of moths in a closet with clothes using folk remedies

Wardrobes that smelled like mothballs are a thing of the past. Nowadays, stores sell a variety of moth repellents that work effectively and smell nice. They can be divided into two categories - aerosols for spraying in the apartment (usually they also work on other insects) and various sachets, plates that are hung in the closet to protect clothes from being eaten by moths. The choice of products is huge, from well-known and not so well-known manufacturers, the effectiveness also varies. But you can choose the best option. The rating of the best moth repellents will help you get rid of harmful insects faster.

The best anti-moth sprays

If you need to quickly and surely get rid of annoying insects, the best option is to use anti-moth aerosols. They treat all places where pests can potentially live - cabinets inside and outside, sofas and other upholstered furniture, clothes. When working with aerosols, you must observe safety precautions and be sure to ventilate the apartment after treatment, since the composition usually contains insecticides. They are safe for humans, but can cause allergies and even mild poisoning if inhaled excessively. If used carefully, aerosols will help get rid of moths in the entire apartment in one day and will not cause harm to its inhabitants.

How to get rid

If a moth butterfly flies around the apartment during the daytime, then most likely it is a male. Swatting an insect is not the best way to protect your living space from this pest. This is due to the fact that the female is already quietly laying eggs somewhere, from which hungry larvae will soon hatch. Therefore, in order to get rid of uninvited guests, you need to find the most effective folk remedies for moths.

In the closet

Quite often, the presence of a pest in a wardrobe is discovered after holes appear on expensive woolen items. The larvae of such insects can be brought from the street. It is possible to avoid the proliferation of moths if you put into the closet only those clothes that have been pre-washed or thoroughly cleaned after use.

But even if, despite carefully caring for things, pests still appear in the closet with clothes, then everything needs to be reconsidered again, washed and ironed. And fur products should be taken out into the fresh air several times a year under direct sunlight or frost, which this insect is so afraid of.

After putting things in order, they cannot be immediately sent to the closet.

It must first be treated with a solution of laundry soap. After all the compartments and shelves have dried, you can return the wardrobe items to their original place. For moths in the closet, it is advisable to place repellent folk remedies on the shelves.

This effect is achieved by:

• laundry soap in the cupboard;
• orange peels;
• lavender, mint, chamomile, tansy, wormwood

If there are no folk remedies at home to protect against this insect, then you can use any scented toilet soap. Bars of soap along with wrappers are laid out in cabinets.

In the apartment

To destroy carpet or furniture moths, you need to prepare a concentrated soap solution, which is used to treat the damaged carpet on both sides, as well as upholstered furniture. After such cleaning, the pile of the products becomes tougher, but this method is guaranteed to get rid of unpleasant insects.

To repel carpet moths, you can use high or low temperatures (sun or frost). Experienced housewives know that folk remedies for moths in an apartment include taking carpets out into the cold in winter to thoroughly clean them with snow. In summer, it is recommended to hang carpets in the sun and dry them thoroughly, which will allow you to confidently get rid of pests.

Moths can not only be localized on carpets; they also love down pillows, blankets and rugs. Some people get out of this situation by regularly sending such items to the dry cleaner or drying them in the fresh air. In any case, pillows and blankets that are not used daily should be checked regularly so that insects do not have time to breed in them. They can also be arranged with pieces of soap or bags of herbs.

Among the plants that repel the pest are coleus and geranium. The smell of tobacco, pepper, dried orange peels, and strawberry soap also repels such insects. In addition to plants, most well-known spices also have a pungent odor - allspice, cloves, vanilla, cinnamon. To repel the pest for a long time, it is recommended to fill bags with spices and place them around the apartment.

In the kitchen

You can bring this type of moth home from stores or markets where unscrupulous sellers sell bulk food products already with larvae.

The grain species is capable of multiplying very quickly. He can easily do this in sealed bags or glass jars with lids.

When faced with food moths in the kitchen, where they can be found in many cereals, the first thing you should do is throw away everything that is already spoiled. Cereals without larvae must be sifted and fried in a hot frying pan to ensure the destruction of the pest. In addition, cabinets and kitchen surfaces must be thoroughly washed with a solution of laundry soap, rinsed with clean water and dried.

Folk remedies for moths in the kitchen include the use of garlic. Slices of this phytoncide are stored in bedside tables, kitchen cabinets or pantries along with food products. When the clove dries out, it is advisable to replace it with a fresh one.

You can scare away pests in the following popular ways:

1. Place lemon, orange or grapefruit zest, bags of lavender or other herbs next to the food.
2. Essential oils (lemon, rosemary, lavender) have a good repellent effect. Some people also use laundry or scented soap.
3. Spices that have a strong aroma (cloves, allspice, cinnamon, oregano, mint) will help repel. Spices can be poured onto a saucer and placed inside the kitchen cabinets.

Since groceries actively absorb odors, not all folk recipes are suitable for use.

Preparations and devices for controlling butterflies and larvae

If you need to destroy moths urgently, pay attention to more radical remedies for moths in the apartment. Professional preparations guarantee quick results with minimal problems with their use. Supermarkets offer a wide selection of anti-moth products. You can choose a drug for each case and at an affordable price. (Cost data is as of January 2018).

Aerosol

An effective remedy against moths and larvae in the apartment, which begins to work immediately after spraying, retains its effect for up to six months. The toxic substance enters the pest's respiratory tract and kills it. It works best when insect oviposition is detected and destroys all future offspring at the same time.

"Armol". Used to combat any type of moth. It has the scent of lavender flowers and leaves no residue when sprayed. The price of a cylinder does not exceed 100 rubles. "Raptor". It is used both to destroy clothes moths and to prevent their occurrence. The spray smells of lavender and is suitable for spraying on thin and natural fabrics. Cost - 150 rubles. "Moskitol". Destroys butterflies of any kind, but has no effect on larvae. It has a pleasant smell and does not leave stains on clothes when processed. Costs 200 rubles. "Clean house". Suitable for processing upholstered furniture and wooden surfaces. No additional spraying on clothing is required. Has a light herbal aroma. The price is 150 rubles. "Antimol drKlaus." Destroys larvae and adult butterflies, has a long-term effect. Designed for processing furniture, suitcases, mezzanines. The average price per cylinder is 170 rubles. "Extramit". Used for processing production and warehouse premises. Long-acting aerosol retains its properties for up to six months. The price of the bottle is 70 rubles.

The chemical composition of the aerosol is harmful to health, so cover your breathing organs when spraying, and leave the room for a while after spraying.

Fumigator

A plastic device for repelling moths, mosquitoes and flies, powered by electricity. The full cycle of pest destruction takes several weeks, which is why moth fumigators are less popular than aerosols. In addition, it only kills butterflies, leaving caterpillars and oviposition intact.

The plate or container with the insecticide is placed in a special compartment inside the device, then the fumigator is connected to the network. When the block is heated, active substances begin to be released, a subtle smell destroys the butterflies. The following models are popular.

"DiK-3". There are two types of model, operating with liquids and plates. The active action of the fumigator begins 12 hours after being plugged into the network. The cost of the device without the unit is 50 rubles. Raid. It goes on sale together with the plates. Depending on the modification, you can adjust the intensity and set a timer. The price of the fumigator is from 150 to 400 rubles. Raptor. An improved version of "DiK-3" destroys moths and mosquitoes. The cost of the fumigator is 300 rubles. Plates are sold separately.

The content of toxic substances in the fumigator is minimal. The device can be turned on in the apartment without fear for your health.

Trap

Pheromone bait is safe for human health and pets, since it contains no chemical components. It consists of an adhesive base and pheromones. Males, interested in the exciting aroma, fly to the trap and stick tightly. And since reproduction is impossible without males, the life cycle of the moth gradually stops.

"Raptor". An effective remedy for moths in the closet. The sticky base is impregnated with synthetic resins, rubber and mineral oils. The trap's action begins after the protective coating is removed. She has been active for two months. The cost fluctuates around 150 rubles for two plates. Aeroxon. Used to protect the apartment from any type of moth. It is attached with the back side to the surface of the chest of drawers, near the source of infection. To activate the trap, you need to remove the transparent film. Maintains effect for three months. The average price is 300 rubles. Global. Destroys food moths. The glue bait consists of three parts, divided by perforations. It can be used separately, hanging in several places, or folded into a “house”, placing it in a chest of drawers. The trap is valid for two months. The average cost is about 200 rubles.

Too many traps in one room can cause the opposite reaction: the males will not smell due to the excess amount of pheromones.

Cases

Allows you to preserve outerwear in the off-season. The mechanical method prevents moths from breaking through dense material. Use breathable covers to prevent clothes from smelling musty later. Wash and iron items before storing them. For prevention, you can hang a moth section in the case. This is an option for those who want to use odorless protective products.

Pills

An alternative to scented aerosols. Anti-moth tablets will protect clothes and drive voracious individuals away. The product does not affect oviposition and larvae. But the affordable price (a pack of 12 pieces can be bought for just 10 rubles) and ease of use make the tablets popular in their segment.

For the best effect, place several tablets in a gauze bag and place them in the corners of your wardrobe. Update your protection every two weeks. The most popular among the population are the anti-moth tablets “Cinderella”, “Dezmol”, “Lavender”, “Crash Moth”.

Lavender

This fragrant plant has been used for centuries to ward off moths. A time-tested tool. They usually use it like this: they fill small bags with dried lavender and place them in places favored by moths. The insect flies away when it smells this smell.

Another option: a decoction of this plant is sprayed from a spray bottle onto the inner walls of the closet and clothing. You can also use lavender oil from the pharmacy. Pour it into a small container and place it in the kitchen cabinet. When protecting clothing, you need to be more careful: if drops of oil stain it, it will be difficult to remove such stains.