You opened your wardrobe after returning from a long overseas vacation and what you saw completely ruined the holiday effect. Your entire wardrobe collection had huge moth holes!
It can be devastating, we know! Dealing with moths can be extremely exasperating.
Although this problematic bugger doesn’t cause any physical harm to humans, they can defile your expensive clothes and even contaminate your food.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
When it comes to dealing with moth infestation, prevention is the best way to keep this pesky pest away from your home. Since it’s common for an old building to face moth related problems frequently, it’s always a good idea to know how to deal with this bug. But, before we get into how to keep this pest at bay, it is important to know:
What Attracts Moths Inside Your Home?
It sounds odd, but moths can be attracted to the beautiful silk curtains or any furry material in your home. In short, moths get into your home to feed on any fabric be it wool, fur, silk or even webbing. Since these fabrics are considered luxurious, moth infestation can cause immense damage that would end up costing you thousands of dollars to get it fixed or replace.
Places, Where Moths Live and Breed!
Moths can be found in every area of your house! You may find them in your kitchen feeding on your food. You also find them happily thriving at the bottom of your wardrobe feasting on your silk gown.
It is observed that moths usually choose dark, humid places which are rarely used to live and breed. Moreover, they choose to stay close to a food source, as it is essential for young moths to grow and survive. Therefore, it necessary to thoroughly clean your kitchen cabinets at least twice a year. While you clean the cabinets, make sure you remove any old or spoiled food. Additionally, go through your wardrobe at least twice a year and declutter it. This will restrict moth infestation.
How to Identify a Moth Infestation
If you notice any of the following signs, it indicates that you may be having a moth infestation:
- Spotting moth larvae in your wardrobe. They resemble maggots!
- Noticing silken tubes where the moth larvae live. Remember adult moths never feed on fabric. The larvae eat fabric to grow.
- Spotting adult moth in your home indicates a (severe) infestation.
Tips to Get Rid of Moths
As long as the infestation isn’t severe, you can fight the moths with some of these proven methods:
- Hang lavender filled sachets in your wardrobe. Lavender is one of the most effective moth deterrents, plus it will make your wardrobe smell good.
- You can also use mint, cedar made or thyme to keep the moths at bay!
- If you have adult moths in the closet and kitchen, try using moth trap. Place the traps in the infested place for effective results.
The aforementioned tips are useful only when the infestation is in its early stage. If the infestation gets out of hand, then you need to seek the help of a professional.
A professional exterminator can identify the type of moth and use the right insecticides to exterminate the pest and restrict further infestation.