Closets full of cozy, natural fiber sweaters and pantries stuffed with holiday season snacks are a moth's idea of heaven in the colder months.
You don't need harsh chemicals to keep them away from your home, however. In fact, burning lavender could provide some instant relief from this flying pest problem.
The trick? Burning lavender sticks, available at Etsy, correctly, while adding some long-lasting tactics to get rid of moths for good. Here's what the pros recommend.
Burning lavender to deter moths
So far as natural pest control methods go, burning lavender is one of the few that will also help to make a home smell nice.
James Agardy, technical and training manager, and associate certified entomologist at Viking Pest Control, explains that, like burning rosemary to deter pests, burning lavender releases essential oils and compounds such as camphor and linalool into the air, 'which can act like a natural insect repellent. Crushing the lavender prior to burning can increase the amount of these oils that are released into the smoke, potentially boosting the effectiveness.'
However, as with any natural prevention tips and non-toxic alternatives to mothballs, burning lavender to deter moths is not always a guaranteed fix, and the deterring effect wears off when you stop burning it.
James says, 'Like any repellent, effectiveness will vary, and lavender will not repel all species of moth.
'If you have ongoing issues with moths in your home, it would be best to call a pest management professional of your choice to identify the moth and develop a treatment program to eliminate the infestation at the source.'
These ready-made lavender smudge sticks are ready to burn, perfect for quickly deterring moths or cleansing your home's air.
Rather than burning dried lavender, consider adding lavender essential oil to an oil burner or the best essential oil diffusers for a longer-lasting fragrance.
Cedar blocks are another great natural scent deterrent to help prevent moths from setting up home in your pantry or closet.
If you do stick with burning lavender when you spot the signs you have moths in your home, it's important to also implement some longer-lasting prevention methods.
Mihail Velev, rodent and insect pest control expert at Fantastic Services, says, 'Lavender can provide a mild, short-term effect on moth behaviour, but it isn’t a primary method of control.'
He recommends reducing attractants such as food sources in the first instance.
This could mean storing food in air-tight glass containers from Walmart to protect your pantry, or keeping natural fiber garments in plastic garment bags from Amazon to prevent moths in the closet.
From there, deep-clean your house to remove crumbs and disturb any cozy nesting spots.
Position scent deterrents close to common breeding grounds such s closets and pantries.
Alternatively, boost the longevity of lavender by using lavender essential oil (available from Target) in a waterless diffuser, from Amazon.
Tammy Sons, founder of Tn Nursery, explains, 'I believe it is most effective as a part of an integrated approach. Combine with dried lavender sachets [from Etsy] or an essential oil diffuser in a storage closet rather than just the smoke itself.'
You can also use lavender essential oil to make DIY scented drawer liners to protect dressers.
What to shop
Vacuum storage bags are ideal for seasonal storage, keeping clothes and household linens safe from pests and moisture, without them taking up valuable storage real estate.
For items you cannot hang such as sweaters, use zip up garment boxes with clear fronts so you can still see and access items easily, while protecting delicate items from pests.
Airtight food storage prevents moths by making access to food sources impossible. Plus it keeps our pantry neat and food fresher for longer. What's not to like?
This portable essential oil diffuser can be moved around your home and put into storage closets with ease to help deter moths all over your home.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has certified Attitude products as non-toxic, meaning they contain no harsh chemicals or artificial compounds, perfect for cleaning your home to prevent pests.
A small handheld vacuum can make cleaning home storage quick and easy, sucking up dust, crumbs, and lint that may attract moths.
FAQs
What is the best natural way to repel moths?
Strong scent deterrents are one of the best natural ways to repel moths. This can come in the form of cedar wood, cedar oil, or lavender.
Additionally, clean regularly using non-toxic cleaning products and create physical barriers to block moths from food sources, such as airtight jars and garment bags.
Do pheromone traps work for moths?
Pheromone traps work by drawing in adult male moths and killing them, stopping the breeding cycle to stop infestations growing in a home.
Pheromone traps will not work on moth larvae, however, which are the main cause of damage to garments. Regular cleaning and deterrents are your safest bet here.
Meet the experts
James is an Associate Certified Entomologist, NJPMA credentialed wood destroying insect inspector with over 20 years of industry experience. He is licensed in NJ and PA in seven categories of pest management, including general household, wood destroying insects, ornamental pest control, general public health, schools, mosquitoes, and food processing.
Mihail Velev has been with Fantastic Pest Control team for two years, and specializes in comprehensive rodent and insect treatments.
Tammy Sons is a plant expert, garden writer, and educator. Tammy is the CEO and founder of TN Nursery, a thriving online plant nursery based in Altamont, Tennessee. She is also a prolific writer, sharing her knowledge through articles on various gardening topics, including plant care, sustainable landscaping, and pest control.
While preparing for the cold season, brush up on the common fall pests to watch out for to fortify your home against unwanted visitors.
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