13 Ways to Prevent Closet Moths

1. Keep your closet organized and tidy:

A cluttered closet can make it hard to spot any potential moth problems, so it’s important to keep your closet organized and tidy. This will make it easier to clean and maintain the area.

2. Regularly check your closet for signs of moths:

Keep an eye out for signs of moths, such as webbing, cocoons, or adult moths. If you spot any of these, take action right away to eliminate the problem.

3. Keep an eye on the weather:

Be extra vigilant during the summer months or when there are heat waves, as moths thrive in warm, humid conditions.

4. Keep your home well-sealed:

Check for cracks or gaps around windows and doors, and seal any that you find to prevent closet moths from entering from the outside.

5. Be mindful of what you bring into your home:

Inspect any second-hand items before bringing them into your closet, as moths can lay eggs on clothes or fabrics that are already infested.

6. Keep your closet dry:

Use a dehumidifier to control the humidity level in your closet.

7. Wash or dry clean your clothes before storing them:

Heat kills moth eggs and larvae, so washing or dry cleaning your clothes before storing them can help prevent infestation. This is especially important for items that may have been stored in an infested area, or have been exposed to moths in any way.

8. Regularly vacuum and wipe down surfaces:

Regularly vacuuming and wiping down surfaces in your closet will help remove any food or sweat residue that may be attracting moths. This can be done weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your usage of the closet.

9. Use natural repellents:

Along with using mothballs or sachets filled with moth-repelling herbs, you can also use natural repellents like essential oils. Some essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and cedarwood, are known to repel moths. You can use these oils in a diffuser or mix them with water in a spray bottle and spray the inside of the closet.

10. Take your clothes out for a Sunbath:

Take your clothes out of the closet and place them in the sun for a few hours. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can kill moth eggs and larvae, making your clothes less likely to attract moths.

11. Keep your closet clean and free of food residue:

Moths are attracted to food residue, so make sure to keep your closet clean and free of food residue. This includes keeping food containers and packaging out of the closet and cleaning any spills or crumbs immediately.

12. Limit the use of fragrance:

Moths are attracted to certain fragrances, so try to limit the use of fragrances in the closet, such as perfumes, lotions, and scented candles.

13. Hire a professional exterminator:

If you have tried all the above methods and still unable to get rid of moths, it may be time to hire a professional exterminator. They have the expertise and equipment to effectively eliminate moths from your closet and can provide ongoing maintenance to help prevent future infestations.