In their life cycle, moths go through a larval stage as soon as the eggs hatch. The larvae tend to develop in the wardrobe and pantry because in these places, once born, they find numerous sources of food. If you notice them in clothes or in the kitchen, keep in mind that, due to gnawing, they can create numerous problems. Fortunately, you can get rid of them by cleaning cabinets and furniture, using effective treatments, and applying the right repellents.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Clean the Cabinets and Wardrobe
Step 1. Remove the clothes
Take everything out, even items that are not made of fabric, such as shoes and containers. You will have to clean everything so, if you have elements that enhance the organizational functionality of your wardrobe, such as dividers or shoe racks, remove those too to be able to clean them thoroughly.
Step 2. Empty the closet
Use a handheld or regular vacuum cleaner with a suitable nozzle to clean the bottom panel, walls, shelves and ceiling of the cabinet. When you're done, empty the contents of the vacuum cleaner into a bag and seal it, then throw it away.
Make sure you reach the corners and the ceiling
Step 3. Wash the walls and shelves
Pour the soap or detergent into a basin or bucket, then add the water and stir to mix the solution. Dip a clean cloth and use it to wipe the walls and shelves. Continuously wet the rag in the soapy water while you clean the closet.
Step 4. Wash clothes and other fabric items
Since the larvae cannot resist heat, select a high temperature program. To be fully effective, the water should reach 50 ° C. Choose a wash of at least 20-30 minutes to ensure all larvae and eggs are killed.
Dry cleaning also kills the larvae
Step 5. Put what you can't wash in water in the freezer
The larvae cannot survive in low temperatures, so the freezer is a great pesticide. Wrap items in a protective coating, such as a plastic bag, place them in the freezer, and leave them for at least 48 hours so that the cold can kill the parasites.
Step 6. Do not put the clothes you have already worn in the closet
If you plan on wearing a garment more than once, find another place to store it until the next use. Moths love clothes that have traces of sweat or food - they attract them like a magnet.
Step 7. Store clothes in airtight containers
Prevent moths from laying more eggs by keeping items you don't wear frequently in airtight containers.
- You can choose from boxes, vacuum bags and plastic bags.
- For added protection, apply duct tape over the closures.
Method 2 of 3: Using Effective Treatments
Step 1. Find the traces of an infestation
Inspect the food containers and pantry for tiny crawling rice-like worms and cobweb residue. You should also notice fibrous remnants. Check for moth larvae and cocoons in corners and dark areas.
The larvae reach a length of 17 mm and have a black or brown head
Step 2. Check if the food is contaminated
Moth larvae enter the home via food. Once a dish containing eggs or larvae is introduced, the latter spread rapidly, contaminating other foods. Examine the entire pantry, looking for any signs of a possible infestation. You may notice larvae, egg residues, or fibrous material.
- The larvae's favorite foods include grains, flour, seeds, nuts, candy, pet foods, dried herbs, nuts, and milk powder.
- Even if you don't see larvae or egg casings, the presence of the white spider web indicates that the food is infested.
Step 3. Put the contaminated food in a bag and discard
Moth larvae can't pierce plastic, so you can prevent them from spreading by putting infested food in bags and throwing it away as soon as possible. Do not leave contaminated food in its place as it is possible that something is not sealed properly.
Step 4. Select all other foods
Unfortunately you will have to throw away most of the food, especially the one preferred by moths, such as cereals, but also any dish stored in containers that you cannot wash.
Step 5. Wash any items you plan to put back in the pantry
Moths tend to lay eggs in interstices, so there may still be live eggs on some objects. To avoid a new infestation, wash them well with detergent and hot water.
- Check the lids of jars or the flaps of plastic-wrapped food.
- You can also kill eggs and larvae by placing presumably contaminated food in the freezer, microwave for 5 minutes, or 60 ° C oven.
Step 6. Replace the shelf covers
If you lined your pantry shelves, you will need to remove the lining and throw it away, as it may harbor larvae or eggs. If you intend to line them again, wait until the infestation is completely gone. Otherwise, if the larvae recur, you will be forced to coat them once again.
Step 7. Vacuum the cupboard
Attach the hose to the vacuum cleaner so you can easily get rid of any moth larvae and debris you see. If possible, clean in crevices and corners, as larvae and eggs tend to hide in the darkest spots.
Step 8. Wash the shelves and pantry walls
First, wipe all surfaces, including ceilings and walls, with a soapy rag, then apply a solution containing bleach. You can make it yourself or buy a bleach-based product. Then sprinkle the white vinegar on the shelves and clean everything.
- If you want to make the solution, add 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.
- Don't forget to scrub well into the corners.
Step 9. Wash the food containers
If you can, put them in the dishwasher by setting a hot water wash. If not, wash them thoroughly by rubbing them with hot water and detergent. Finally, rinse them with vinegar. Take these extra precautions because a single larva hiding in a container could infest the pantry again.
Step 10. Use airtight containers
Prevent re-contamination of foods by storing them in airtight containers.
- If you buy cereals, flour or pasta, you should put them in the freezer for a week to eliminate any eggs already present in the products.
- You can also keep them in the refrigerator until you use them.
Method 3 of 3: Keep Moths Away
Step 1. Use paper or moth strips
You can buy them and put them in the wardrobe, in the drawers, in the boxes, in the bags for the garments or in the pantry. They will kill the larvae and moths.
Step 2. Place the cedar balls where you store your clothes
Cedar balls are a great natural substitute for pesticides. They contain an oil that kills small moth larvae, although they are not very effective on larger ones or adult moths. You may want to hang them in the closet or put them in the drawers of the dresser even if they won't solve all the problems.
You can also use cedar wood hangers
Step 3. Use mothballs
For it to be effective and safe, use it when storing clothes in airtight containers. Put it together with the clothing and close everything. It does not act immediately, but thanks to its chemicals it produces fumes that, indoors, are able to kill moths at all stages of their life cycle.
As it is toxic, wear gloves to handle it
Step 4. Add some bay leaves to the pantry
This aromatic plant widely used in cooking is a natural repellent for moths. If you want a simple and safe repellent, place a few bay leaves in the closet and cupboard.
Step 5. Make herbal tea bags
Moths tend to avoid the odor emanating from certain plants, such as lavender, mint, cloves, thyme, and rosemary. Dry these herbs and place them in bags of breathable fabric. Place them in closets, drawers, and areas where you store perishable clothing and materials. The scent will keep them away.
You can mix several herbs or use just one
Advice
- Wash all second-hand or vintage accessories and garments before putting them in the wardrobe or storing them.
- Moth larvae feed on natural fibers, such as cashmere, wool, cotton, silk, feathers, and shearling.
- The life cycle of the moths lasts approximately 10 days.
- If you suspect a moth infestation but haven't seen any larvae, you can use a pheromone trap to lure clothes-eating males. If they get trapped, it means there are also larvae.
- Airtight containers are great for keeping adult moths and larvae away.
- Although adult moths are thought to be the main culprits for the damage caused by these pests, in fact the biggest risk to food and clothing is the larvae.
- Do not store dirty clothes in the closet, drawers or closet.
- Moths hate light.
Warnings
- Avoid using sprays containing chemicals in food areas. They are as harmful to people as they are to larvae.
- While cedar wood can help fight an infestation, it's only useful when the smell is strong. Therefore, use more balls and replace them frequently.
- It could take you nearly 6 months to get rid of a severe moth infestation.
