So, we’ve discussed how to use bicarbonate of soda, white vinegar, olive oil and lemons for cleaning in our previous blog posts, we have also discussed environmentally friendly cleaning tools. But what about those cleaning problems that literally fly in the door?
Moths are a common pest that can cause damage to your clothes, carpets, curtains and other fabrics, even our pantry too! Leaving that trail of dust behind them. We often hear that these Moths are causing problems in some of your homes.
In England, Moths are particularly prevalent during the summer months, but you can take preventative measures to ensure that they do not become a problem in your home. Warmer winters, central heating and an increasing popularity of clothes made from natural fibres means that clothes Moths are now a year long problem.
Approximately, 1.5 million homes across the UK suffer from Moth infestations. The Tineaola Bisselliella is also known as a clothes Moth. The Trichophaga Tapetzella is known as the carpet Moth. The Plodia Interpunctella are food Moths. So how do we keep our carpets, clothes, curtains, fabrics, food and pantries safe from these Moths?
Here are a some effective methods to prevent Moths:
1. Keep your home clean and Tidy
The first stage of Moth control or Moth prevention is to deep clean your home. One of the most effective ways to prevent Moths, is to keep your home clean and tidy, Moths thrive in dirty, and cluttered environments. Regularly cleaning and vacuuming your carpets, furniture, and curtains to remove any eggs or larvae that may be present is also helpful. It is preferable to use a bagged hoover so you can remove the bag at the end of the cleaning. Moths particularly like to lay their eggs in warm, dark places so don’t forget the corners of your wardrobe, drawers, skirting boards and corners of rooms when cleaning.
Or why not book in to have a one off deep clean by us!
2. Store your clothing and fabrics correctly
Moths are attracted to natural fibres such as wool, silk, and cashmere. It is therefore, essential to store your clothes and other fabrics correctly. Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to store your clothing and fabrics where possible. Make sure to wash and dry-clean all clothing before storing them to remove any eggs or larvae that may be present.
3. Use Moth Repellents
There are many natural and chemical Moth repellents available that can be used to prevent Moths. Natural repellents such as lavender, cedarwood, and eucalyptus oils can also be used to deter Moths. Here at Country Cleaners all our hoovers have a hoover scent to not only leave your home smelling nice but to also help deter unwanted critters! Chemical Moth repellents such as Mothballs and sprays can also be used, but they may not be safe for children or pets or may come with a hefty price tag!
So why not try making your own?
Here’s a simple recipe for a natural Moth repellent sachet:
Ingredients:
• Dried Herbs: Choose from any combination of the following dried herbs, as Moths tend to dislike their scents: Lavender, rosemary, thyme, mint, cloves, or bay leaves. Lavender is particularly known for its Moth-repelling properties.
• Essential Oils (optional): Essential oils like Lavender, cedarwood, or eucalyptus can enhance the effectiveness of your repellent and provide a stronger scent. However, they are potent, so use them sparingly.
• Cotton or Fabric Sachet Bags: These are small, breathable bags that you can fill with your dried herbs and essential oils.
Instructions:
• Mix the Ingredients:
In a bowl, combine your chosen dried herbs. If you’re using essential oils, add a few drops to the mixture and stir well. The essential oils will infuse the dried herbs with a stronger scent.
• Fill the Sachet Bags:
Open your cotton or fabric sachet bags and fill them with the dried herb mixture. You can create multiple sachets to place in different areas of your home.
• Secure the Bags:
Tie the bags securely with a string or ribbon. Make sure the bags are closed tightly to prevent the herbs from spilling out.
• Place the Sachets:
Put the sachets in areas where Moths are likely to be a problem. This could be your closet, drawers, or pantry. You can also hang them in places like coat closets.
• Refresh the Scent:
Over time, the scent of the herbs will fade.
You can refresh the sachets by adding a few more drops of essential oil or replacing the dried herbs altogether.
Don’t have a sachet bag?
Make your own Moth-repelling potpourri instead!
Start by mixing dried herbs like lavender, rosemary, mint, thyme, cloves or bay leaves. Add a few drops of essential oils if desired. Display this potpourri in decorative bowls in your living spaces or wardrobes.
Remember that while natural repellents can help deter Moths, they might not eliminate all Moth problems. If you have a serious infestation, it’s a good idea to address the root cause, such as removing any potential food sources (like clothing made from natural fibres) and keeping your storage areas clean.
You can even make a homemade spray:
Make a Moth-repelling spray by mixing water and essential oils (such as lavender, cedarwood, or eucalyptus) into a spray bottle. Use a few drops of essential oil for every cup of water. Lightly mist the areas where Moths are a problem, like your closet or storage spaces.
But remember to test the spray on a small, area first to ensure it doesn’t stain or damage the fabrics or carpets.
Cedarwood is known for its natural Moth-repelling properties. You can use cedarwood blocks, chips, or essential oil to deter Moths. Place cedarwood blocks or chips into your drawers and closets, or add a few drops of cedarwood essential oil to your sachets.
4. Install fly screens
Moths are attracted to light, and they can enter your home through open windows and doors. Installing fly screens on your windows and doors can help prevent Moths from entering your home. Fly screens are also effective in preventing other flying insects from entering your home.
5. Regularly inspect your home
Regularly inspecting your home can help you identify any signs of a Moth infestation. Look for small holes in your clothing or fabrics, webbing, and larvae. If you notice any signs of a Moth infestation, take immediate action to prevent it from spreading. If you suspect items are infested with Moths (especially clothing), you can freeze them for a few days. Place the items into a plastic bag and put them in the freezer. The cold temperatures will kill any moth eggs or larvae.
6. Ceder hangers
Consider using cedar hangers for your clothing. These hangers release a mild cedar scent that helps repel Moths while also freshening up your closet.
7. Home made Moth Trap
You can create simple Moth traps using sticky traps or strips. Moths are attracted to light, so placing these traps near light sources in the evening can help capture them.
8. Vinegar Solution
Moths dislike the smell of vinegar. Wiping down surfaces in your storage areas with a diluted vinegar solution (equal parts water and vinegar) can help deter them.
9. Homemade Moth Repelling Draw Liners
Cut squares of thin cotton fabric or paper, and lightly spray or apply essential oils mixed with water onto these squares. Once dry, place them at the bottom of your drawers to help protect your clothes.
10. Use Bay leaves in stored pantry goods
If you’re concerned about pantry Moths affecting your stored goods, place a few bay leaves into the containers. Bay leaves are known to repel pantry pests.
Remember, prevention is key when dealing with Moths.
In conclusion, preventing Moths in our homes requires regular cleaning, proper storage of fabrics, the use of Moth repellents, installation of fly screens, and regular inspections of your home. By following these preventative measures, you can try to ensure that your home remains Moth-free and your clothes, carpets, fabrics and pantry are protected.
Need to book in for a one off deep clean? Contact us today on 01404 643702 or email countrycleanersdevon@gmail.com
Don’t forget!
We also offer a professional carpet cleaning service, or you may hire one of our carpet machines to clean the carpets yourself – each carpet hire comes with 1 litre of carpet shampoo! For more information click below:
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Do you have any tips or tricks on preventing or controlling Moths that we haven’t mentioned here?
If so let us know in the comments section and share the knowledge. Alternatively, if there’s a cleaning topic you would like us to write about in one of our future blog posts, please contact us at countrycleanersdevon@gmail.com we would be grateful to hear your thoughts!
© Copyright Miss Bethany Neely 2023
Cleaner Honiton, Sidmouth, Cullompton- Country Cleaners 