Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Getting rid of moths in the closet
• Method 2 of 4: Preventing moths in the closet
• Method 3 of 4: Getting rid of moths in the kitchen
• Method 4 of 4: Preventing moths in the kitchen
• Warnings

The moth is a problem not only for pantries, where it feeds on grains and cereals, but also for cabinets, where it relishes itself on wool, silk and other fabrics.Getting rid of moths takes a double approach: first destroy the moth and its habitat, and then take preventive measures to prevent the moth from returning.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Getting rid of moths in the closet

1. 1 Examine the signs. If you have seen one or two moths, but are not sure if it has settled in your house, look for the following signs:
   • Small holes in your sweaters and other wardrobe items. If you find holes in one sweater, chances are you will find them in other clothes. Check out all items in wool, feathers, fur and silk.
   • Clothing looks dusty and discolored, or has a musty odor.
   • Cobwebs in the corners of the closet or on clothes.
2. 2 Set up moth traps. To get rid of moths in the closet, you will have to set traps that attract the moth with pheromones and kill it with a sticky substance in which it gets stuck.
   • You can make your own traps using fly tape and fish oil that attracts moths. Apply a small amount of grease to fly tape and hang in the cabinet.
   • Mouse traps can also be used to catch moths.
3. 3 Wash your clothes. It is important to wash every wardrobe item as it may contain moth eggs.
   • Wash clothing according to label instructions. Dry it in a high temperature dryer if possible. If clothes cannot be tumbled dry, place them in the freezer for a few days to kill the eggs.
   • Wash bedding, towels, and any other fabric items in your closet.
   • Take out suitcases, bags and other containers and wash them as well.
4. 4 Wash the cabinet. Now that you've got everything out of the cabinet, it's time to clean it from top to bottom to get rid of the moth eggs that might still be in there.
   • Wipe the floor and walls of the cabinet with soapy water or vinegar. Soak a sponge in the solution and wash the walls to remove all the eggs. Flush crevices and cracks especially well.
   • Vacuum thoroughly. Clean the carpet in your closet with a powerful vacuum cleaner. Since you've already done this, vacuum the bedroom as well. Suddenly the moth laid eggs there too.

Method 2 of 4: Preventing moths in the closet

1. 1 Brush wool, fur or feather clothing after wearing. Moths usually do not lay eggs in outer clothing.
2. 2 Keep your clothes clean. Moths are attracted to wool, however, they are much more likely to settle in your closet if your clothes are stained with food or anything that the moth loves to eat. Wash your clothes before you hang them in your closet. Dry clean the wool before storing it in the closet.
3. 3 Store your clothes properly. Clothes that you don't wear often, especially woolen winter clothes, should be kept in an airtight container.
   • Protect wool coats and sweaters with plastic bags.
   • Store winter clothing in plastic bags, plastic containers, or airtight metal containers.
4. 4 The cabinet should be in a cool and well-ventilated area. The moth loves moisture, so circulation of cool air is important so that it changes its mind about nesting.
5. 5 Ventilate your clothing often. Let the wool sunbathe, especially if you take it out in early fall or winter after long storage.
6. 6 Use cedar in the closet. The moth doesn't like cedar, so it's a good idea to hang your woolen clothes on cedar hangers.
   • You can also buy cedar balls or fill a linen bag with cedar pieces and hang in your closet.
   • For extra protection, tuck bits of cedar into the pockets of your woolen garment.
7. 7 Try mothballs or a natural remedy. Naphthalene is an effective weapon against moths, but mothballs are made from chemicals that are toxic to humans and leave a strong odor in closets and clothing. Try these alternative remedies:
   • Packets of dried rosemary, thyme, clove, lavender or bay leaf. Simply fill a small linen bag with these ingredients, tie it with string, and hang it up.
   • Essential oils made from these herbs can be sprayed in a closet or onto clothing to effectively repel moths.
8. 8 As a last resort, call an insect control specialist. The moth problem can be solved with these simple methods, but if the moth is back, it may be laying eggs in places you can't reach with a sponge and vacuum cleaner. Call a specialist who will process the area and destroy the moth eggs.

Method 3 of 4: Getting rid of moths in the kitchen

1. 1 Examine the signs. After the moth, discharge, cobweb and other signs of its presence remain. You probably have a mole in your kitchen if you notice these signs:
   • The food is sticky or appears to be a little sticky. It can be caused by moth secretions.
   • The products have a musty smell or they have deteriorated, even if there is still a long time before the end of the shelf life, and nothing could spoil them.
   • In the pantry, there are some cobwebs around the boxes or bags.
   • If there are caterpillars or adult moths in the pantry, it's time to take action.
2. 2 Throw away contaminated foods. Do not try to save them, as these foods are harmful. Throw out the following:
   • Grains, nuts and rice, as the moth eats and lays eggs in these foods.
   • The mole can gnaw through cardboard boxes. If you see small holes, throw away such items.
   • Moles can penetrate very small spaces. Any food that has already been opened, even a packet of chocolate or nuts, should be thrown away.
   • Close the trash bag well and take it out of the house immediately.
3. 3 Set traps. If, after you've thrown all food sources out of the kitchen, the moth is still in the kitchen, set up pheromone traps that attract the moth and kill it with a sticky substance in which it gets stuck.
4. 4 Clean up the kitchen. Now that you've thrown everything out, it's time to wash the kitchen from top to bottom, paying special attention to the pantry to remove any leftover eggs.
   • Use a soapy solution or vinegar solution as a detergent. You can also use a strong chemical cleaner.
   • Soak a sponge in the solution and thoroughly wash cabinets, pantries, corners and cracks in the kitchen. You must rub the surface well to remove all moth eggs.
5. 5 Call an insect specialist. If the moth is back, it may be laying eggs in places you can't reach with a sponge or vacuum cleaner. Call a specialist who will process the area and destroy the moth eggs.

Method 4 of 4: Preventing moths in the kitchen

1. 1 Inspect food. Moths usually enter the kitchen with contaminated food. You can bring home eggs on oatmeal, dry grains, and nuts. Even packaged foods can contain moth eggs.
2. 2 Put food in the freezer as soon as you bring it home. You don't have to stop buying groceries, but before you put them in the pantry, place them in the freezer to destroy the eggs. Store food there for 3-4 days before using normally.
3. 3 Store food in airtight containers. Proper storage is probably the best preventive measure you can take.
   • Store bulk food in plastic or glass containers. Make sure containers have tight-fitting lids.
   • Instead of storing food bags and cardboard boxes, transfer food leftovers to airtight containers. Moths can gnaw through cardboard and thin plastic.
4. 4 Control the temperature and humidity in your kitchen. Moths love warm, moist air, so a stuffy kitchen is very attractive to moths.
   • Keep windows and doors closed when the air conditioner is running.
   • Make sure the pantry and other food storage areas are well ventilated.
5. 5 Seal all cracks and crevices. In the kitchen, moths can find many good hiding spots. Any gaps that you are not able to clean regularly, such as cracks in the back of the pantry, the space between the shelves and the wall, etc., should be sealed.

Warnings

• Naphthalene is poisonous to humans. Make sure children and pets are not close to the cupboard in which you use the mothballs.