How Do You Repel Moths?

Repelling moths in urban environments like London is essential, as these insects thrive in densely populated areas. Unlike some other pests, moths don’t shy away from cities; they actively infest them. A moth infestation, especially a severe one, can feel like a relentless battle. Effective control requires a combined effort from homeowners and professional moth exterminators. Taking preventative measures is always better than dealing with a full-blown infestation. Our London moth control experts have created this comprehensive guide to help you repel moths and protect your London home.

Read also: Moths in Unexpected Places: Your Carpet-Free Home Isn’t Safe!

While the UK is home to around 2,500 moth species, two of the most common invaders of London homes are pantry moths and clothes moths. Their names offer a clue to their preferred targets: Pantry moths infest kitchens and food storage areas, while Clothes moths target wardrobes, other clothing storage spaces, and carpets.

Check also: What Are the Different Types of Moths Infesting Our Homes?

Clothes moths

These small buff-coloured insects are the most frequent culprits behind damage to clothing and fabrics in your home. They target natural fibres like wool, cashmere, and silk because these materials contain keratin, a protein that moth larvae feed on. They lay their eggs on these fabrics, where the larvae hatch and consume the material. Wardrobes, storage rooms, attics, and even carpets (especially those undisturbed behind and under furniture) are all vulnerable to infestation.

Read also: Why Do Moth Larvae Eat Clothes?

Pantry moths (Indian Meal Moth)

This pantry pest thrives on a wide range of dry food items. They infest grains including flour, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley, bread, pasta, cereals, biscuits, cake mixes, and grits. They leave behind webbing in storage areas and contaminate food with their larvae. Kitchen cabinets, pantries, garages (if you store food there), storage rooms (especially pet food), and any place where we keep food is susceptible to a pantry moth infestation.

Check also: Why Do I Have Moths in My Kitchen?

From natural solutions to manufactured products, there’s a range of options for repelling clothes moths:

Natural Repellents for Clothes Moths:

• Cedar: Cedar wood contains natural oils that are toxic to moth larvae. You can use cedar blocks, hangers, hanger rings, or shavings. The aroma repels moths, but it’s important to remember that the scent fades over time, so cedar products need to be refreshed or replaced periodically.
• Lavender: Dried lavender and lavender essential oil are known to repel moths. Place sachets of the dried herb in your wardrobe, or use a diffuser to disperse the scent of the essential oil.
• Essential Oils and Spices: Several other essential oils and spices, including clove, rosemary, thyme, sage, peppermint, geranium, lemon, orange, bergamot, and citronella, can deter moths. Use these in diffusers or make sachets with dried herbs and spices.

Advantages of Natural Repellents: They are safe, non-toxic, and easily accessible.
Disadvantages of Natural Repellents: They wear off quickly and need to be replaced often.

Check out our detailed guide on which smells repel clothes moths to learn how different smells work to deter the pests and how to prepare your own clothes moth repellents.

When dealing with pantry moths, choosing repellents that are safe for use around food is crucial. Let’s explore some of the most effective choices:

Natural Repellents for Pantry Moths

• Herbs: Bay leaves, mint, and lavender contain essential oils that can repel pantry moths. Place dried herb sachets in your pantry or kitchen cupboards.
• Essential Oils: Peppermint, rosemary, clove, lavender, thyme, and eucalyptus essential oils can also deter pantry moths. Add a few drops of the oil to a cotton ball and place it in the cupboard, or make a spray by diluting a few drops in denatured alcohol and spraying any area susceptible to pantry moth infestation.

Advantages of Natural Repellents: They are safe, non-toxic, and pleasant to smell, and you may already have some of them (like spices) in your kitchen.
Disadvantages of Natural Repellents: They must be replaced often as they wear off quickly.

Man-made Repellents for Pantry Moths

• Pantry Moth Traps: These non-toxic traps use pheromones to attract and capture adult male moths, preventing them from breeding.
• Insecticides: We strongly recommend against placing any insecticides near your food or pet food to repel moths. If you have a pantry moth infestation, it’s best to call a professional moth exterminator.

Advantages of Pantry Moth Traps: They trap adult moths, preventing them from laying eggs, and are non-toxic.
Disadvantages of Pantry Moth Traps: They need to be replaced regularly.

Repellents aren’t your only weapon against moths. You can take other proactive steps to keep your London home safe.

Read also: How to Get Rid of Moths?

Clothes Moths

• House Cleaning: Hoover regularly, including inside wardrobes and storage rooms, to remove hair, skin cells, pet hair, and other protein and keratin sources that attract clothes moths. Hoover carpets, especially under heavy furniture. Also, hoover and brush any wool wall hangings.
• Proper Storage: Store clothes in sealed bags or containers. Moths prefer dark and humid places, so occasionally aerate your wardrobe.
• Clean Clothes Before Storing: Any leftover protein (skin cells, hair, pet hair) on clothes, even if worn only briefly, can attract moths
• Sunlight and Air: Clothes moths don’t refrain from anything made of wool – blankets, shawls, etc. – so if you are storing items like this, you need to take them out and aerate them occasionally. On sunny days, take them out, hang them in the sun, and brush them. Clothes moths don’t like light or fresh air. So, shake out those jumpers and beat your carpets outside.
• Inspect Items: Regularly inspect clothing and other vulnerable items for signs of moth activity.

Check also: What Attracts Clothes Moths?

Pantry Moths

• Keep Clean Kitchen and Food Storage Areas: Hoover regularly, remove items, and wipe cupboards with vinegar and water solution.
• Inventory: Check your cupboards and food storage areas, and throw away any food packages that look suspicious (signs of infested food – webbing, eggs inside).
• Proper Storage: The best way to prevent pantry moths is to keep food in airtight containers. Package clips are not sufficient, as moths can chew through packaging.
• Check Decorations: Pantry moths can be attracted to decorative items like wall decorations, wreaths, and dry flower bouquets containing seeds. Hoover and dust them regularly.
• Inspect Items: Regularly check stored food items for signs of infestation.

Check also: Where Do Moths Come From in the House?

If you notice any signs of a moth infestation, don’t hesitate to call a pest control specialist immediately. If you live in London, please contact us at Moth Exterminator. Our trained and reliable experts will develop a customised plan for your specific situation. We offer effective treatments to eradicate moth infestations, such as fumigation and heat treatment. Contact us today for a consultation, and let us help you reclaim your home from these destructive pests.