Moths are insects that are often mistaken for butterflies, but usually pose a bigger threat as a pest. There are multiple ways in which moths can enter your home. If you have a single moth flying around your house or apartment, you most likely left a door or window open in which they were able to enter. Otherwise, there are various ways in which you could have tracked or brought in these moths. They can be brought in through yours or someone else's coat or other articles of clothing, or through furniture, packaging, and containers that can hide these critters. On that note, we need to know what causes the moths to enter your house and how to safely get rid of them.

Light

Moths tend to gravitate towards light. These bugs, like any other, are drawn to warm and lit areas such as outdoor lighting or windows. If your windows are open or you have holes or cracks in your exterior, this poses a risk of entry. Light is then a source of attraction to not only moths but many other bugs and insects. Although it is a significant attractor, there are other sources moths may be drawn into your home as well. It is important to note that these moths that are attracted to light are not particularly harmful and can be removed safely and without the worry of infestation.

Pantry Foods

Certain moths are also drawn to foods and will be attracted by dry stored goods. They can get into every nook and cranny in your kitchen and home so it is important to organize and clean your pantries. They love boxes and tend to enter your home through packaging and containers from infested warehouses where eggs and larvae are hidden in the products and transported, eventually getting into the storage areas of your home. It is important to watch out for these moths and take the steps to get rid of them and prevent them from nesting in your home.

Clothes Moths

Clothing is one of the ways in which moths can enter your home. There are two main species of moths that can get into your home and infest it. Already discussed were the pantry moths that love dried foods and hide in your pantries. The other type, the clothes moths, don't particularly like the outdoors and can enter your home through clothing (especially second-hand clothes), furniture, and other containers and goods - often from thrift stores or garage sales and purchasing used items.

How Do You Get Rid Of Them?

How you get rid of moths will depend on which moths you have in your home. After you have established which insect you have as referenced above, you can then take the necessary precautions and steps for removal and prevention.

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Certain products and materials give off different odors that detract and repel moths. These items include cedarwood coat hangers or shelves and lavender bags which you can utilize in your closet and cabinets to help keep moths away from your clothes. Cedarwood produces a chemical reaction that creates an odor that moths don't particularly like.

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If you have problems with moths in your home, one way to help deal with the issue is to obtain and install a few traps in your home where you see fit. The clothing moth traps will attract the males of the species with a pheromone to the sticky adhesive. This will eventually effectively kill the moths.

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Protection for your clothes and materials is a good measure to take up against any potential problem of moths. Storing your shirts or clothes in bags can prevent moths from embedding into the materials. Of course, this only works with your items that you know fully are not exposed to moths and have no eggs or larvae buried inside.

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You can also use different sprays for your clothing that will keep moths away. This should be done cautiously, following the directions as instructed as there are chemicals that will be in the products that may be harmful to your health.

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In addition to many of the steps and precautions you can take to deal with different moths, you should also be practicing good habits for cleaning and washing. This includes cleaning not only your clothes but also different areas of your home like your kitchen and pantry. You want to sweep and vacuum and clean any places where moths can potentially nest and hide in your home.

If none of the steps and practices you have taken are preventing and eliminating moth problems, or your problems have grown to more than you can handle, it is time to consider calling a professional. Pest control experts will have the knowledge and equipment to properly deal with infestations and problems on a much larger scale and effectively make your home pest free.


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Brand Voices