Does cedar keep bugs out of clothes?

Author: Chester Von  |  Last update: Monday, February 2, 2026

Cedar, enriched with natural oils, acts as a powerful shield against these persistent pests. Cedar's pest-repelling power: Cedar effectively repels a variety of insects, including: Clothing moths: Cedar's natural oils protect wool and silk garments from damage.

What bugs does cedar repel?

Natural deterrent: Due to the cedar's significant repelling properties, it naturally deters a number of insects. This includes adult clothing moths, clothing moth larvae, silverfish, termites, carpet beetles and cockroaches.

What does cedar do for your clothes?

The best benefit of the odor is how it can repel insects and other unwanted pests such as moths. Moths are known for being destroyers of wool, because they reproduce by laying their eggs in the irresistible soils that are part of the fabric. Essentially, cedar acts as a force field for your wool coats and sweaters.

What can I put in my clothes to keep bugs away?

Store your clothes with sachets of herbs.

Depending on your pest problem and scent preferences, you can mix certain herbs together to create the ideal blend. To repel moths, silverfish, and carpet beetles, we recommend a mixture of lavender, cloves, mint, and cedar shavings.

Does cedar protect clothes?

Cedar releases an essential oil that repels pests but also effectively stains your clothing. Keep cedar from directly touching your clothing to prevent staining.

Protect Your Wardrobe From Moths | This Morning

Does cedar repel bugs in closet?

Turning to natural repellants is a safer way to keep bugs out of your closets. Cedar is an all-purpose repellant that works against multiple types of insects, especially moths & carpet beetles. You can use sachets of cedar shavings or cedar blocks.

What are the disadvantages of cedar?

Disadvantages Of Cedar Wood
  • Hardwood cedars may not last as long as some other hardwood species.
  • Some types of softwood cedar can become dented easily.
  • It is expensive compared to wood like pine.
  • It requires regular maintenance as the color may fade away due to chemical reaction.

What smell do bugs hate the most?

Bugs hate the smells associated with repellency, such as lavender, citronella, vinegar, peppermint, and geranium. These oils are considered a natural way of driving away bugs from your home without harming you, your family, and other animals.

How do I protect my clothes from insects?

To keep bugs away from clothes, don't let them get to them. Airtight containers, like plastic garment containers, are one of the simplest methods. Store the clothing with cedar blocks or herbal sachets to add a second layer of pest deterrents. Pests are attracted to soiled clothes.

What bug repellent doesn t stain clothes?

Sawyer® Permethrin Insect Repellent is odorless, non-greasy and non-staining after it dries. Permethrin can be harmful to aquatic creatures such as fish, so do not spray Permethrin around fish aquariums. It is recommended that treating clothing with the permethrin aerosol be performed outdoors.

How long does cedar repel bugs?

Initially, when cedar blocks are fresh, their moth-repelling properties are at their peak. Over time, however, the intensity of the scent diminishes, which can reduce their effectiveness against moths. Typical Effective Lifespan: Generally, cedar blocks remain effective for about one to three years.

Why line a closet with cedar?

The nature aroma of cedar has kept garments hole-free and smelling fresh for centuries. And not only does it repel pests like moths and roaches, it also resists mildew that can ruin fabrics. To use cedar to its fullest, you should line a whole closet with it.

Why do you store clothes in cedar?

In addition to repelling insects, the oils in red cedar wood prevents the spread of mold and mildew.

Is cedar toxic to dogs?

The level of toxicity would depend on the type of Cedar and also how much was ingested at the time. Eastern red cedar trees are highly toxic in both their berries and leaves and also their bark. Western red cedar trees are only mildly toxic.

What does cedar attract?

Cedar wood does not attract insects and bugs. In fact, the wood contains a natural oil that automatically repels insects and bugs including moths, woodworms, mosquitoes and other insects. The natural oil also repels rodents including rats and mice.

What can I put on my clothes to keep bugs away?

Permethrin. The bug-resistance of shirt and pants can be further enhanced with a synthetic chemical, permethrin.

How to use cedar blocks for clothes storage?

Elevated Positions: Place cedar blocks on higher shelves or hang them from hanger rods to allow the scent to permeate downward. Avoiding Contact: Ensure blocks do not touch wet or damp clothing directly to prevent oil stains or fabric damage.

Is lavender or cedar better for moths?

Without a doubt, Cedar is the best natural moth repellent, followed by lavender. Just keep in mind, you have to first get rid of an infestation before you can prevent future moths. Otherwise, you'll just be hanging up Cedar and lavender sachets as decorations for the larvae to enjoy.

Do bugs like the smell of cedarwood?

Cedarwood oil can be found in many consumer products—perfumes, soaps and deodorants among them. In addition to its pleasing scent, cedarwood oil also is prized for its insect-repelling and anti-fungal properties.

What actually keeps bugs away?

Some plants, like lavender, marigold, citronella grass, rosemary, and basil, naturally repel bugs. Lavender is particularly popular as a natural, people-and-pet-safe pest control plant. The aroma of lavender is too strong for small insects and discourages them from flying near the area.

What smells do lady bugs hate?

The smell of citrus fruits can repel ladybugs. Place orange peels or lemon peels around your home in areas where ladybugs are present. Bay leaves. Bay leaves are another natural insect repellent that can help to repel ladybugs.

What does cedar wood prevent?

The answer is yes—cedar effectively repels a variety of pests, including mosquitoes, spiders, carpet beetles, cockroaches, fire ants, pantry moths, clothing moths and other fabric-damaging insects.

How long does cedar wood smell last?

In contrast, genuine cedarwood can be sanded slightly to reveal fresher layers underneath, so its fragrance lasts indefinitely.

Is cedar resistant to bugs?

The same heartwood also repels insects. Cedar releases chemicals and a strong smell that insects find unpleasant, making the material a suitable option for building outdoor living spaces if you want to reduce pest infestations to protect yourself and your home from damage.

Previous article
How should chemicals be stored in a kitchen?
Next article
What color cabinets make room look bigger?