How to get rid of (and prevent) moths
If you’ve pulled out your favourite jumper or blanket from the wardrobe only to find moth holes, sadly there isn’t much that can be done. It’s best to focus on preventing moths (and their hungry larvae) in the first place so that you don’t have to deal with the frustration of their behaviour.
While most of us assume that it’s the moths that are attacking our cashmere jumpers, it’s actually the moth larvae (the caterpillars) that are the hungry ones. The mother lays up to 1,000 eggs somewhere dark (your wardrobe), on natural fibres such as wool, cashmere, fur or silk (basically any fibre that contains keratin). From there the larvae feed on the materials and grow into moths, which will see you quickly moving into infestation territory.
To avoid this, there are a few tips to keep your items safe and the moths at bay.
Only store clean items
Moths love sweat, perfume and food stains so it’s imperative that you don’t pack away your good quality items unless they’ve been properly cleaned first. If you’ve only worn a woollen item once and it doesn’t need dry cleaning yet, be sure to spot clean any marks and give it a good airing on the line before packing it away.
Use plastic tubs or bags
Moths can’t penetrate a plastic tub under your bed, or a vacuum packed bag on top of your wardrobe. The key again is to ensure that the items you are storing are scrupulously clean so that you can be sure that the moths are not already in there.
Make moth repellant
Whether it’s a natural repellant such as lavender oil diluted in a water spray bottle, or a simple packet of moth balls or a moth trap from the supermarket – it pays to prevent them if you can, especially if you are storing winter clothes away for a few months.
Keep your wardrobe and bedrooms tidy
Moths love the grime and dust that collects at the back of your wardrobe or under your bed, so try to give your room a spring clean if you feel you may be susceptible to moths. Clean skirting boards, behind the bedside table, lamp shades – everywhere that dust and dirt collects.
If they’ve already shown themselves
You will need to take everything out of the wardrobe or storage box, and give it a good solid clean with hot soapy water. Launder everything you can (or dry clean it) and ensure it is all bone dry before replacing. You can also try an insect control bomb from the supermarket, which will eliminate all pests from the area.
Have you ever had a bad moth infestation? How did you get rid of it? We would love to hear from you in the comments.