Does white vinegar get rid of moths?

Author: Angel Boyle  |  Last update: Friday, February 6, 2026

White vinegar kills Carpet Moths through an acidic cleansing process. It changes the pH levels of any surface that it touches, and moth eggs or larvae that are exposed to white vinegar will not be able to survive in this acidic environment.

How long does vinegar take to kill moths?

'Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a basin or sink and soak affected clothing, curtains, or fabric items in the solution for one to two hours,' says Zahid Adnan, gardener. 'Afterward, wash the items as usual with detergent and water, and dry them thoroughly.

What smells do moths hate the most?

You can make sachets with lavender and other dried plants like bay leaves, peppermint, lemon balm and/or rosemary. You can even add some cedar shavings, too. Place a couple of spoons of these ingredients in an old sock or a dry tea bag.

What is the best homemade moth killer?

Peppermint oil has been known to effectively repel Pantry Moths. So, you may want to wipe down your shelves with this fragrant oil. Rosemary, clove, lavender, thyme, and Eucalyptus may also be helpful. Each of these natural repellents for pantry moths is safe to use around food items!

How do I get rid of moths once and for all?

More videos on YouTube
  1. DEEP CLEAN THE AREA - Use soap and water to wipe down surfaces and thoroughly vacuum cracks and crevices.
  2. USE A NATURAL MOTH KILLER - This will safely remove any larvae and eggs that might still be present. ...
  3. STORE CLOTHES CORRECTLY - Ensure you store your clothes in mothproof clothes storage bags.

How To Use WHITE VINEGAR To Keep PESTS Away - FRUIT FLIES, GNATS, ANTS, SPIDERS, MOSQUITOES, BEDBUGS

What kills moths and their eggs?

Air, heat, or freeze items you don't dry-clean or wash. A combination of sunlight and vigorously brushing the infested items can kill moth eggs and larvae.

Do moths like the smell of vinegar?

And when it comes to cleaning out your closet or storage box to repel moths, it does the job. The strong acidic smell of vinegar will repel moths away from the area as well as cleanse the area from dirt, dust, moth eggs and larvae.

What is the most effective moth repellent?

Lavender — Lavender is a widely-loved moth repellent for good reason. Its floral scent is delightful to humans but repulsive to moths. Our 'Protect Me' Scent Bags can be placed in closets and drawers to protect your garments. Plus, they impart a lovely fragrance to all surrounding clothes.

Do dryer sheets repel moths?

Dryer sheets typically contain chemicals such as linalool, beta-citronellol, and geraniol, which are known to have some insect-repellent properties.

Why are there so many moths all of a sudden?

The most common way to contract a moth infestation is by carrying infected items into the home. Food and clothing items that have larvae or eggs hiding within them can introduce a moth problem when you least expect it. Unsealed containers in our pantries are perfect targets for pantry months.

Do moths ever go away on their own?

It's hard to pinpoint how these things get indoors in the first place, but they do not go away on their own, says Suiter. If you don't want moth hanky-panky in your pantry (translation: lots of babies!), it's time to do some sleuthing. Here's how to get rid of these common pests.

What kills moths in your yard?

Sevin® Insect Killer Concentrate, used with a pump-style sprayer, is ideal for treating lawns and surrounding shrubbery, where moths may hide, and spot treating areas with sod webworm activity. Give special attention to exposed thatch and grass surrounding suspected damage.

Does Dawn dish soap kill moths?

A mixture if Dawn dish soap and water in a spray bottle. That mixture will penetrate the egg clusters and kill them.

How long does it take white vinegar to kill?

Kills weeds rapidly, causing death in 24 hours. Effective for killing small seedling-stage annual broadleaf weeds. Vinegar biodegrades and breaks down quickly (not salts, however).

Do bugs hate the smell of white vinegar?

Vinegar is one of the best ingredients to make a pest control spray. It is effective in repelling ants, mosquitoes, fruit flies, and many others. Creating a mix is quite simple and is considered safe for humans and pets. Acidity of the vinegar is potent enough to kill many pests.

How do I permanently get rid of moths?

We recommend using a solution of vinegar and hot water and paying close attention to areas that moths will have frequented. Another tip is to use a carpet steamer, as this will help kill off any signs of moth life left behind in your upholstery.

What scent drives moths away?

Cedar oil is strong and effective and the moths don't like it! Other good essential oils to repel moths include lavender, rosemary, lemon, bergamot, sage, and mint.

What attracts moths the most?

Moths are attracted to light, which is why you often see them flying around lamps and other sources of illumination. If you have any areas in your home where there is a lot of light shining through, moths will be drawn to them.

How do you use white vinegar for moths?

Moth larvae don't take kindly to the acidic nature of vinegar. Make up a solution of equal-parts white vinegar and water and spray directly onto infected areas.

How do you get rid of moths when you can't find the source?

Set up moth traps

So, while cleaning and discarding infested items are crucial, setting up moth traps is a key step in ensuring that your home remains moth-free. Place them where moths are most active—such as closets or pantry shelves—and effectively reduce the population of these miscreants.

What animals hate the smell of white vinegar?

Vinegar can deter mice, stray cats, and dogs from entering and marking your property. These animals do not like the vinegar scent and will be less likely to return to your property.

Do I need to wash all my clothes if I have moths?

The most common and effective method for killing all stages of clothes moths in clothing, blankets, and other washable articles is to thoroughly launder them for 20 to 30 minutes in water that is at least 120°F.

What kills moths on contact?

Reefer-Galler SLA Cedar Spray

This powerful spray contains pyrethrins and other pesticides that effectively kill moths on contact. Aside from moths, it also eliminates other insects, including ants, cockroaches, bedbugs, and spiders.

How long does it take to get rid of moths?

So, clothes moths may live one month, eggs may take less than ten days to hatch, larvae will reach maturity in about a month and the pupate stage will last about two to three weeks. So to get rid of a moth infestation, you would need to hammer all stages for at least four to five weeks to break the life cycle.

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