Grandma's remedies for moths

Moths are pests that resemble small grey butterflies and can infest our pantries and closets. There are two main types of moths:

1. Food moths (or flour moths), which attack food stored in our kitchens.

2. Clothing moths (or common clothes moths), which damage our fabrics and clothing.

In the event of a moth infestation, several potential risks may arise:

• Damage to textiles and clothing

• Contamination of food

• Allergic reactions in certain sensitive individuals

• Odour nuisances caused by moth droppings

• Deterioration of indoor air quality

To prevent these risks, it is essential to take appropriate measures and treat any moth infestation promptly.

Several natural solutions have moth-repelling properties, including certain aromatic herbs such as mint, lavender, rosemary, and thyme; certain essential oils; certain acidic substances like lemon; and certain types of vinegar.

To repel food moths and keep your kitchen clean, here is our selection of home remedies:

• White vinegar: Apply white vinegar to shelves and storage surfaces using a clean cloth to repel moths and naturally disinfect.

• Cloves: Cloves contain eugenol, a natural repellent for food moths. Place cloves in your food cupboards to create a deterrent scent barrier and keep moths away.

• Aromatic herbs: Aromatic herbs such as bay leaves, mint, rosemary, and thyme are not only delicious in the kitchen, but they also act as natural repellents against moths. Scatter these herbs in storage areas and jars, or place them in fabric pouches hung in closets to keep moths away while adding a pleasant scent to your storage spaces.

• Lemon: Place slices and peels of lemon in small bowls in your closets or wipe down the shelves with lemon juice to keep moths away and leave a pleasant scent.

• Garlic: Garlic is a powerful ally in the fight against food moths. If you’ve spotted them in your kitchen cabinets or drawers, place a few cloves of garlic there to deter them from staying.

• Pheromone traps: Pheromone traps (available in organic stores and supermarkets) are non-toxic solutions that are effective year-round against food moths. They can both eliminate existing infestations and prevent new ones, keeping your cupboards protected all year round.

• Essential oils: Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, lemongrass, or tea tree have natural repellent properties. Place a few drops of your chosen essential oil on cotton balls and put them in your food cupboards to keep moths away.

Warning

Essential oils should always be handled with care. Do not use on pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, people with epilepsy, or the elderly. Keep out of reach of children and perform a skin test before use. Consult a specialist.

To understand and learn more about food moths and their eggs, we invite you to read our comprehensive guide: Identifying and treating moth eggs: our tips.

To prevent moth infestations, we recommend adopting certain habits and practices:

1. Make sure to clean your closets regularly and vacuum every nook and cranny to remove any eggs or larvae.

2. Store your food in airtight containers to prevent moth infestations. Don’t forget to label your jars with expiration dates. 

3. Regularly sort through your food supplies and remove any expired food.

4. Avoid storing too many items or clothes in your closets, as this can encourage moths to multiply. Opt for minimalist storage and air out your storage spaces regularly.

5. Use natural repellents in your closets as much as possible.

To get rid of moths in fabrics, here is our selection of home remedies: 

• Small lavender sachets: Place small cloth bags filled with dried lavender flowers among your clothes to keep moths away while leaving a pleasant scent.

• White vinegar: Soak a clean cloth in white vinegar and wipe down your shelves and inside your closets to keep moths away.

• A mixture of cloves and lemon: Mix cloves and pieces of lemon peel in a cloth bag and hang it in your closet to keep moths away.

• Cedar: Use cedar wood blocks or shavings in small cloth bags that you place directly in your closets to repel moths from your clothes. You can also use cedar essential oil. To do this, apply a few drops of cedar essential oil to cotton balls and place them in your drawers or closets—provided you like the scent, of course.

Warning

Essential oils should be used with caution and should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, people with epilepsy, or the elderly. Keep out of reach of children and perform a skin test before use. Consult a specialist.

If you have moths, you can opt for natural traps:

The natural pheromone trap: Some moth traps use natural pheromones to attract the insects. These devices mimic the chemical signals emitted by female moths to attract males. By strategically placing these traps in infested areas, you can reduce the moth population naturally and effectively. These traps typically consist of sticky substances to which moths get stuck and cannot free themselves.

An east trap: double-sided tape: A simple and natural method for trapping moths is to use double-sided tape. Place these adhesive strips on shelves or inside closets. Moths that come into contact with the adhesive get stuck, preventing them from reproducing and helping to reduce their population.

Using home remedies to keep food and clothing moths away can be a natural and effective solution. However, it’s crucial that you take a few precautions to ensure safe use:

• Before applying a remedy to a large area, it is essential to perform a patch test to avoid allergic reactions or unwanted discolouration.

• Store the products used out of reach of children and pets, as some natural ingredients can be toxic if ingested.

• Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes when using essential oils or other concentrated ingredients to prevent irritation.

• Use remedies in moderation and follow specific instructions to avoid overuse.

• If you have known allergies or specific concerns, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional before using natural remedies against moths.

Always keep a close eye on your closets and food to spot the first signs of an infestation, such as the presence of larvae or small cocoons. Early detection will allow you to act quickly and prevent the spread of moths!

Stéphanie Catrysse is a naturopath (certified by the FENA), a wellness massage and lymphatic drainage practitioner, and a personal development coach. She is passionate about alternative medicine and practices a holistic approach to health.