To get rid of moths, use a targeted aerosol or contact spray like Reefer-Galler SLA Cedar Scented Spray to kill adult moths and larvae on contact, or a residual spray like TERRO Clothes Moth Killer for long-lasting closet protection.
The fastest way to get rid of moths is to target their source immediately. Throw away infested food and wash or freeze contaminated clothing. Follow up by vacuuming the area and setting up sticky pheromone traps to catch the remaining adults.
Key Points. Vinegar, especially when heated and mixed with water, helps disorient moths. Spraying a vinegar-based solution into crevices helps eliminate eggs and larvae. Also reduce humidity, freeze infested clothes, and seal storage to get rid of moths.
The most powerful, comprehensive moth killers rely on active chemical ingredients like naphthalene or transfluthrin. The best option depends entirely on whether you are dealing with clothes moths attacking fabrics or pantry moths infesting stored dry goods.
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.
The Acana Moth Killer & Freshener is highly effective for fabric and furniture/upholstery to kill moths, their larvae and their eggs.
Moths and their caterpillars are a vital food source for a vast range of wildlife. Key predators include bats, birds (which feed thousands of caterpillars to their chicks), spiders, frogs, lizards, and smaller mammals like shrews and rodents.
Moths absolutely hate strong natural scents—like lavender, cedar, and rosemary—as well as bright light, regular vacuuming, and cleanliness. They thrive in dark, undisturbed, and musty environments where their larvae can feed on natural fabrics and stored foods.
Moth season typically spans April to October, with peak activity during the spring and late summer months. Because warmer temperatures speed up their lifecycle and reproduction, you will notice the most moths around April and May, and again in August and September.
To kill moths, their eggs, and larvae, the most common and effective chemicals are pyrethrins/pyrethroids (for contact killing) and paradichlorobenzene (for long-term storage).
Freeze Any Items That Show Signs of Moths
Simply place the affected clothing, fabrics, or pantry items in a Ziploc bag and put it inside a deep freezer below 10°F. The cold temperature will kill off any eggs, larvae, or adult moths present, making it a natural solution.
Yes, baking soda can help combat moths, but it does so primarily by drying out and suffocating larvae, rather than acting as an instant poison. While it will not instantly kill flying adult moths, it is a highly effective, non-toxic tool to disrupt their life cycle and clean up infestations.
Dryer sheets provide limited, temporary relief from moths. While they make stored clothing smell like fresh laundry—which some people believe moths dislike—dryer sheets do not contain the active chemicals needed to kill or permanently repel them.
Repel them
Interesting fact – moths can't stand the smell of essential oils like lavender and cedarwood. Spray these fragrances around your home and place lavender bags or cedar balls in your closet to ward off the pests.
To get rid of moths when you cannot find the source, set out pheromone traps to catch active adults and locate their breeding grounds. Then, aggressively vacuum hard-to-reach areas, wash vulnerable fabrics, and inspect hidden spots like old wool rugs, pet food containers, and forgotten pantry items.
Moths naturally dislike the pungent, volatile oils found in many strong-smelling herbs and woods. These scents overwhelm their senses and deter them from laying eggs in your closets or pantries.
Actions to reduce moth larvae:
Empty vacuum contents outside; double-bag and seal before disposal. Wash or dry-clean all fabrics in affected areas. Clean wardrobes, cupboards, drawers, and storage boxes (pay attention to cracks/joints). Improve ventilation—moths thrive in warm, still environments.
Touching a moth's wings removes their microscopic scales, which appear as a powdery dust. These scales provide critical survival functions like camouflage, temperature regulation, and aerodynamics. While it won't instantly kill them, it severely compromises their ability to survive.
The Bible uses moths metaphorically to represent the frailty of human life and the fleeting nature of worldly wealth.
5 ways to get rid of moths
Autumn is the time when a lot of pretty autumnal moths appear, mostly Noctuids along with the chance of immigrant species. A selection here in no particular order, from late September and early October in my Hollesley garden.
Coffee grounds are not an effective standalone repellent for moths. While the strong scent may deter some insects, moths generally do not avoid them, and pantry moths are even known to infest dried coffee. For reliable moth control, it is better to rely on targeted treatments like cedar, lavender, or airtight storage.
Mothballs, moth flakes, crystals, and bars are insecticides. They come in a solid form that slowly gives off a toxic gas that kills clothes moths and other insects.
Exterminators widely agree that bed bugs are the hardest pest to get rid of. Their ability to hitchhike, resilience against over-the-counter pesticides, and talent for hiding in microscopic crevices make DIY eradication nearly impossible.
At night, moths are primarily hunted by bats, which use echolocation to catch them in mid-air. Other nighttime predators include nocturnal birds (like owls and whip-poor-wills), various spiders (such as orb-weavers), and tree-dwelling amphibians and reptiles (like frogs and small lizards).