Best Moth Repellent for Your Clothes

Moths are a common infestation for homeowners. They like to create comfy homes and nests among the nooks and crannies in your home, and some of them even enjoy chewing on your clothes for tasty snacks. 

No one wants this, so the best solution to keep them from becoming your new roommates is to invest in moth repellents. We discuss a few key points in this article on what you need to know about the best moth repellents, what to look for in your next purchase, and some of our best picks to help you make a final choice.

Best Moth Repellents

All of these were chosen based on user reviews, price range, and ease of use.

What is Moth Repellent? 

A moth repellent works to keep moths out of your closets and off of your clothes. It can come as a spray, a scented dispenser, or as mothballs. Moths eat through your clothes and make nests where you don’t want them. They’re more active at night, so while you’re asleep, they’re busy ruining everything fabric. 

Where to Use Moth Repellent? 

Moth repellants serve justice when they’re placed inside closets, drawers, and cabinets where your clothes are. If you’re storing seasonal clothes in a box or a suitcase, then it’s also suggested to have moth repellents inside of those as well. Placing them outside windows and openings doesn’t actually keep moths away from finding the long route to your clothes, so the best option is to protect the source of interest.

You might want to read this: How to Get Rid of Moths Naturally

How Do You Know You Need Moth Repellent?

Better safe than sorry, so you should invest in moth repellents even if you’re unsure about them being in your clothes. It’s a good investment that keeps your nicest clothes safe. 

However, there are signs of infestation that you should be aware of, in case of moths finding their way to your clothes inconspicuously. 

• You might start to notice irregularly shaped holes in your clothes. 
• Clothes that have furs will start to shed excessively over time since moths will chew the material holding it in place. 
• You may begin to notice tunnels or furrows on your woolen clothing, indicating that there are moths present. 
• Moths will leave their crusty deposits on your clothes, which should become a clear indication that the moths have arrived. 
• Another dangerous sign that an infestation has begun would be tiny tubes clinging onto your clothes. These tiny tubes are larvae pupas which means the breeding has begun. 
• Finally, and this one goes without question, seeing moths in your home is a crystal-clear sign that you have to start using moth repellant. 

Tips for Using Moth Repellent 

The best way to use moth repellent is by continuously using it. No matter what type of moth repellent you have, mothballs, sprays, scent dispensers, check on them regularly to make sure they’re still scented. We have also provided some preventive measures which can make your moth repellents more effective and life much easier. 

• Make sure your clothes are always washed and clean. If there is a stench of body odor on your clothes, moths will find their way to your clothes easier. Whether you’re putting them away for the season or just hanging them in the closet, it’s better for your clothes to be clean. 
• Clothes that have to go away for the season should be locked up away in an airtight bag or plastic container which won’t let anything in. Make sure to place mothballs inside of your bags and containers as well for a second level of protection. 
• To keep moths away from your wardrobe, closets, and drawers, clean them once in a while with water and vinegar. The vinegar acts as an acidic agent that moths can’t handle. Do wash thoroughly, you don’t want a strong smell of vinegar hanging off of your clothes. 
• A part of your cleaning routine should also be vacuumed regularly to remove any nests or larvae that may have been built unnoticed.

Is Moth Repellent Dangerous for Kids and Pets? 

Mothballs can be dangerous for children, especially the ones which contain naphthalene chemicals inside them. They can also be considered dangerous for pets and the environment, so many people advocate using cedar chips and mothball alternatives. 

Mothballs can be used in places such as sealed containers where no one can access them directly. 

What to Look for in a Moth Repellent

Moth Type 

There is more than one type of moth which you can find in your home. There are clothing moths that inhabit your clothes and then there are pantry moths that stick to closets and pantries to build their makeshift homes. Always pay attention to the type of moth you need to get rid of and the type of moth repellant you’re buying. 

Pantry moths are mobile and constantly flying around, moving from one ideal home to another, so you can see them anywhere around the house. Clothes moths are docile and prefer to stick to one location, concentrating their larvae and nests near or inside of found clothing. 

Scents 

The classical scent that comes from naphthalene isn’t so much of a scent as much as it is a stench. There are few people who can tolerate the smell of this chemical, which is why mothballs and various repellents come with more pleasant scents to choose from. The herbal scents which are provided also help repel moths naturally, such as cedar and lavender. 

Application Style 

As mentioned before, there is more than one type of moth repellent which you can choose. There are sprays that can kill the moths immediately upon contact. The sprays are better for removing nests and larvae, making sure the infestation does not spread. 

There are traps which are sticky pads that moths get trapped on. This isn’t a pretty sight, but it does help remove the adult moths from your home. You’ll also have to replace the pads every time they fill up, so it’s not the most favorable option people opt for when removing an infestation. 

Finally, there are the mothballs, cakes, patties, and so on. These repel moths from entering areas and keep them from spreading. Repellents will take longer to remove an existent infestation but are a great means to prevent infestations from ever occurring.

Baseline

Most people don’t realize moths a problem until they’ve proven to be one. Getting the right repellents before this happens will prevent some of your nicest clothes and furniture pieces from being destroyed around your home. When you’ve chosen one that works for you, head over and check out our guide to the best drawer organizers!

Photo credit: Tatiana Foxy/Shutterstock

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